give (someone or something) a bad name

give (someone or something) a bad name

To tarnish the reputation of a general class of person or thing (such as an occupation) through one's poor behavior. I can't believe how little you care about your students! Boy, you give teachers a bad name!
See also: bad, give, name
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • give a bad name to
  • give a bad name to (someone or something)
  • besmirch
  • besmirch (someone or something) with (something)
  • besmirch with
  • bring (someone or something) into disrepute
  • bring into disrepute
  • disrepute
  • blot (one's) copy book
  • blot your copybook