# name and shame

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/name-and-shame
Updated: 2026-08-10

## 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

- The local newspaper plans to name and shame the litterbugs in town.
- The government decided to name and shame companies that fail to pay their employees a fair minimum wage.
- By choosing to name and shame the corrupt officials publicly, the activists hoped to force a significant change in the department's leadership.

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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.