drags through the mud
Destroys someone's reputation
To drag someone through the mud is to damage their reputation publicly, exposing real or alleged faults in a way designed to humiliate: The tabloids dragged her through the mud after the scandal broke.
The image is of soiling someone, making them dirty in others' eyes.
Often appears in passive form: His name was dragged through the mud during the trial.
- disgraceLoss of honor
- smear campaignOrganized defamation effort
- mudslingingMalicious personal attacks
- throw under the busBetray for self-preservation
- vilificationAbusive condemnation of someone
trash talking · shame · character assassination · hit piece · dishonor · embarrassment · infamy · scandal · defamation · air dirty laundry · dirty laundry · skeletons in the closet · libel · besmirch · throwing shade · name calling · betrayal · tar and feather
drags through the mudputs on a pedestal
Idealizes someone unrealistically
defends · vindicates · rehabilitates · champions · whitewashes