# drag through the mud

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/drag-through-the-mud
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To tarnish or spoil enough so that something or someone is no longer respectable.

## Examples

- The scandal dragged his reputation through the mud.
- The newspaper article dragged the politician's name through the mud by focusing only on his past mistakes.
- By publicly accusing her former partner of dishonesty, she effectively dragged his character through the mud, leaving his professional standing in ruins.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.