Somebody’s name is mud

usgb
idiom

To be disliked or in trouble.

After stealing from the company funds, John's name was mud among his colleagues.
Visual representation of "somebody’s name is mud" - To be disliked or in trouble

Often appears as...

  • his name is mud
  • your name will be mud

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "somebody’s name is mud"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Negative Connotation

The phrase often implies a strong negative judgment and can suggest someone is untrustworthy or dishonorable.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
She cheated in the exam, now her name is mud in this school.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Literal

This is a figurative expression. It doesn't mean the person's name is literally written in mud.

Illustration for Not Literal
He lied to his friend and his name was mud, though not in the garden but in the gossip circles.
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Informal Usage

It is used in casual conversation and is not suitable for formal contexts, like business or academic writing.

Illustration for Informal Usage
Since the scandal, his name is mud in our neighborhood, but you wouldn't read about it in the newspaper.
Visual representation of the word "Somebody’s name is mud"

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