Name names

usgb
verb

To identify people who are involved in something, often in accusation or blame.

The witness was afraid to name names for fear of retaliation.
Visual representation of "name names" - To identify people who are involved in something, often in accusation or blame

Often appears as...

  • not willing to name names
  • afraid to name names

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "name names"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Fear of Retaliation

The phrase often signifies the speaker's fear of consequences if they reveal identities.

Illustration for Fear of Retaliation
She wouldn’t name names, worried about backlash from her colleagues.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Legal Implications

It may be used in legal contexts where witnesses may incriminate others.

Illustration for Legal Implications
Under oath, he contemplated whether to name names.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Whistleblowing

This phrase is common when someone exposes wrongdoing within an organization.

Illustration for Whistleblowing
After the scandal, employees were hesitant to name names.
Visual representation of the word "Name names"

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