# name names

idiom

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

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- The boss asked him to name names about the office theft.
- The reporter pressed the whistleblower to name names, but he refused to identify the corrupt officials.
- Although the committee demanded that the witness name names, he remained silent to protect his colleagues from public scrutiny.

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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.