live down

live down

To be able to overcome, reduce, or cause others to forget about something shameful or embarrassing. Often used in the negative to mean the opposite. A noun or pronoun can be used between "live" and "down." I don't think I'll ever live down the foolish way I behaved during dinner the other night. I can't believe you got caught because your pants fell down as you ran away. You're never going to live that one down, man.
See also: down, live
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

live something down

to overcome the shame or embarrassment of something. You'll live it down someday. Wilbur will never be able to live down what happened at the party last night.
See also: down, live
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

live down

Overcome or reduce the shame of a mistake, misdeed, or the like. It is often put in the negative, as in I'm afraid I'll never live down that tactless remark I made. [Mid-1800s]
See also: down, live
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

live down

v.
To overcome or reduce some negative feeling about a negative event for which one is known. Used chiefly in the negative: You'll never live down the embarrassment of losing your bathing suit in the pool. I know you're not proud of your past, but you can't live it down by lying about it.
See also: down, live
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • never live (something) down
  • a fig leaf
  • fig leaf
  • never hear the end of
  • never hear the end of it
  • never hear the end of something
  • not be above
  • not be above doing something
  • be not above (doing something)
  • a skeleton in the closet
References in periodicals archive
Craig Hendry and his Donbank FC teammates are trying to live down defeats of 24- 0, 23-1 and 19-0 - with 8-2 their best result of the season.
Craig has a goal - to keep one out
It's hard sometimes to live down a name, at other times it's even harder to live up to it.
THOUGHT for the DAY
The Under-21 boss (right), still trying to live down his breakdown in Sweden, has been pushed out from 8-1 to 12-1 to succeed Fabio Capello.
Pearce ain't so Fab; RESULT !
Would that so-called``fans'',either of religion or football, would learn to live down the name of bigot and live up to the name of loving supporter.
THOUGHT for the DAY
The actress, whose Ab Fab finale was shown on telly last week, said she hates being recognised and tries to live down her character, Edina.
Fame's an ab drag blasts fed-up Jen; PRICE OF SUCCESS: TV star reveals pet hate
But the rash of satirical headlines that greeted Mandy's Money Show proves he will never live down his dodgy history.
MANDY'S MAGIC TRICKS
Since his Open triumph at Royal Troon, Hamilton (right) has managed to live down to his reputation - except for this year.
RESULT!: Hot Toddy to warm heart
IF neighbours really are more friendly in the North, thank God I live down South.
Letter: The BIG issue - Joys next door
"The last semi-final was a game we're still trying to live down," said Hughes.
Football: ROVERS REDEMPTION
You are almost certain to make a few quid - particularly if the twins who live down the road happen to be in there.
RESULT!: Earn easy share of birthday money; IN ASSOCIATION WITH betfair
The one trying to live down an embarrassing moment as he tried to spy on England training.
Spy game's up; DAZZA'S DAILY DIARY
Enckelman has not been allowed to live down the awful own goal he conceded in the Midlands derby last season when he wafted at a throw-in.
Football: No Blues for Peter
A bad reputation takes a long time to live down, even supposing there's nothing else to tarnish Ireland's name.
Irish Daily Mirror Comment: Corrupt image hard to shake
But I am not sure he will live down the Great Fridge Scandal.
Paul Routledge Column: Bungler Meacher faces chilly future