ENGLISH
REFERENCE

name names

idiom
Meaning

To identify specific people, especially people involved in misdeeds or other secretive activity.


Examples
SIMPLE

The boss asked him to name names about the office theft.

CONTEXTUAL

The reporter pressed the whistleblower to name names, but he refused to identify the corrupt officials.

COMPLEX

Although the committee demanded that the witness name names, he remained silent to protect his colleagues from public scrutiny.

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

    have one's name on

    To be reserved for someone.

  4. 04

    have one's name taken

    To receive a yellow card.

  5. 05

    have one's name written all over

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

  6. 06

    kick ass and take names

    To beat someone in a competition, fight, or other situation.

  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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