clear (one's) name
clear (one's) name
To exonerate oneself or another of a criminal charge or allegation of wrongdoing. I was only accused of that crime because I look like the perpetrator, so I was able to clear my name. Good luck trying to clear your name once people think you've done something wrong.
See also: clear, name
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
clear someone's name
to prove that someone is not guilty of a crime or misdeed. (See also clear someone of something.) I was accused of theft, but the real thief confessed and I cleared my name.
See also: clear, name
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
clear one's name
Also, clear oneself. Prove someone (or oneself) innocent. For example, She not only wanted to be acquitted, she wanted to clear her name entirely. This locution employs the verb clear in the sense of "purify" or "wash away a stain." [Late 1400s]
See also: clear, name
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
clear somebody’s ˈname
prove that somebody is innocent: Throughout his years in prison, his family fought to clear his name.See also: clear, name
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- clear name
- clear one's name
- clear somebody's name
- put (oneself) on the line
- put yourself on the line
- put neck on the line
- put your neck on the line
- put (one's) neck on the line
- wash (one's) hands of (someone or something)
- wash your hands of somebody/something