give a bad name

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

These criminals give a bad name to law-abiding gun owners, who go through the proper background checks to buy their guns.

From Washington Times • Jan. 10, 2018

Louis," said he, "has talents and means: he is old and infirm; and will not, I think, choose to give a bad name to his reign.

From The History of Napoleon Buonaparte by Lockhart, J. G. (John Gibson)

You can give a bad name to a Dog, And hang him by way of excuse; Whereas Hunger, of course, Is by far the Best Sauce For the Gander as well as the Goose.

From Perverted Proverbs A Manual of Immorals for the Many by Graham, Harry

Can any one justly give a bad name to a young girl because she is confiding?

From Eyes Like the Sea by Jókai, Mór

But in that case there was a good reason, for he wanted to give a bad name to the property so he could buy it in for a song.

From The Hickory Ridge Boy Scouts: Under Canvas or, The Hunt for the Cartaret Ghost by Douglas, Alan