throw dirt
Tarnish someone's reputation
To throw dirt is to make damaging accusations or spread negative information about someone, typically to harm their reputation: Politicians throw dirt at each other during campaign season.
The phrase evokes the image of literally flinging mud—something that stains and degrades.
Often appears as throw dirt on or in the related expression sling mud.
smear
Spread or defame
- slanderSpoken false defamation
- mudslingingMalicious personal attacks
- besmirchTo soil someone's reputation
tarnish · vilify · malign · denigrate · discredit · libel · calumny · aspersion · disparage · blacken
throw dirtdefend
Protect from harm
stand up for · stick up for · vindicate · clear someone's name · vouch for
throw dirtstand up for
Defend against criticism
stick up for · have someone's back · support · back · protect
dirty, throw, dirt, overthrow, thrown, throwing, throws, dirtied, dirtiness