escutcheon

a blot on (one's) escutcheon

A stain or mark against one's reputation or that of one's family. An escutcheon was a heraldic shield that bore a family's coat of arms, and thus serves as a metaphor for one's honor. I was at the top of my class in college, but that narcotics charge will be a blot on my escutcheon for years to come.
See also: blot, escutcheon, on

a blot on the escutcheon

A stain or mark against one's reputation or that of one's family. An escutcheon was a heraldic shield that bore a family's coat of arms, and thus serves as a metaphor for one's honor. I was at the top of my class in college, but that narcotics charge will be a blot on the escutcheon for years to come.
See also: blot, escutcheon, on
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

a blot on your escutcheon

or

a blot on the escutcheon

BRITISH, OLD-FASHIONED
If there is a blot on your escutcheon, you have damaged your reputation by doing something wrong. For the leaders, this is probably a blip rather than a blot on the escutcheon. Note: An escutcheon is a shield, especially a heraldic shield displaying a coat of arms.
See also: blot, escutcheon, on
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

a blot on the escutcheon

something that tarnishes your reputation.
An escutcheon was a family's heraldic shield, and so also a record and symbol of its honour.
See also: blot, escutcheon, on
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

a blot on (one's) escutcheon

Dishonor to one's reputation.
See also: blot, escutcheon, on
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.

a blot on the escutcheon

bringing dishonor or shame to oneself and one's family. “Escutcheon” is the heraldic term for the shield on which a family's coat of arms is painted. One with a blot, in the sense of blemish, would look as though there were something wrong, which is what The phrase is meant to convey. When Uncle Fred was hauled off to jail for embezzlement, he not only disgraced himself, he brought shame to his wife, his children, and any living parents. His crime was thus a metaphorical blot on the family escutcheon.
See also: blot, escutcheon, on
Endangered Phrases by Steven D. Price
See also:
  • a blot on (one's) escutcheon
  • a blot on escutcheon
  • a blot on the escutcheon
  • a blot on your escutcheon
  • at (one's) doorstep
  • at doorstep
  • at expense
  • at somebody's expense
  • at someone's expense
  • at (one's) expense
References in periodicals archive
Cover the trap adapter with a special deep escutcheon, available at most full-service hardware stores.
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pipe stubout from the surface of the wall is the correct length to fit the shutoff valve and still be completely covered by the valve's escutcheon plate.
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Perhaps by then the British government will have done enough, just enough, to wipe this stain from the national escutcheon. And why bother to write about it in Pakistan?
A disgrace to Britain
An old brass escutcheon on the wall of the terrace is a reminder that these two properties were once in the hands of one owner.
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"It is like an escutcheon plate - or decorative handle from an old-style chest of drawers.
History comes to life at King's Park path; Neolithic arrowhead among items found in archaeological dig
Diana Chrisman's "Life Begins 339 Oak Park Avenue" photograph united Ernest's birth in 1899 with the ornate doorknob and escutcheon at Ernest Hemingway's birthplace home.
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In addition, add a shut-off valve, escutcheon and flex connecting line to all gas-fed mechanicals and appliances being replaced on the property.
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The collection Includes a 3-by-3-lnch and 3-by-9-inch escutcheon, two lever-style handles, and grips in a choice of four sizes.
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This is also a good time to replace an old supply tube and a corroded escutcheon (wall trim plate).
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Is it not about time our councillors were taken to task about this blot on the escutcheon? David Gill Waterloo
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In the arcane terminology of heraldry, the coat of arms is the design that appears on the shield or escutcheon, the whole achievement including the crest, helm, supporters and motto.
Return to arms proves popular among members
In both cases, we're talking about more than just a stain on the corporate escutcheon. We're talking about reputational damage that many observers argue might be permanent historic legacy, dwarfing what's been achieved in the past.
Managing corporate reputations during and after major litigation