ENGLISH
REFERENCE

name and shame

idiom
Meaning

To publish the name of (a person or organization that has committed some transgression) so as to single them out for individual blame and censure.


Examples
SIMPLE

The local newspaper plans to name and shame the litterbugs in town.

CONTEXTUAL

The government decided to name and shame companies that fail to pay their employees a fair minimum wage.

COMPLEX

By choosing to name and shame the corrupt officials publicly, the activists hoped to force a significant change in the department's leadership.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    big name

    A widely-known reputation, especially one that is favorable.

  2. 02

    call someone every name in the book

    To call someone many abusive names.

  3. 03

    crying shame

    A situation that is considered to be a disgrace, or deplorable.

  4. 04

    have one's name on

    To be reserved for someone.

  5. 05

    have one's name taken

    To receive a yellow card.

  6. 06

    have one's name written all over

    To be typical of a particular individual, particularly with respect to a crime or scheme.

  7. 07

    letters after one's name

    A list of abbreviations, separated by commas, representing the academic qualifications and civil or military honors achieved by a person.

  8. 08

    make a name for oneself

    to gain fame, to become well-known.

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