black mark
Reputation's lasting damage
A black mark is a record of wrongdoing or failure that damages someone's reputation: That suspension is a black mark on his record.
The image comes from a literal mark made against someone's name to note misconduct.
The phrase often appears with "against": It's a black mark against the company.
- disgraceLoss of honor
- fall from graceLoss of status or reputation
- blemishVisible flaw or mark
- dishonorLoss of respect
- demeritPunitive mark recorded
scarlet letter · shame · stigma · stain · scar · brand · tarnish · bad reputation · blot · censure · slur · spot · smear · opprobrium · smudge · scandal · skeleton in closet · infamy
- reputationreputation, reputable, bad reputation, repute, disreputable
- shame symbolsscarlet letter, dunce cap, pillory, stockade, yellow star
- social stigmastigma, stigmatized, shame, shamed, disgrace
- Color Idiomsblue moon, green light, red flag, white lie, golden rule
- defamationslander, libel, defamation, defamatory statement, defaming
black markcommendation
Formal expression of approval
gold star · feather in one's cap · badge of honor · merit · accolade
black markcredit
Recognition or payment deferral
honor · distinction · achievement · virtue · redemption
mark, black, blacken, Black Friday, blackness, blacks, blackest, blacker, blackish