PhrasesHub

Name and shame

    Definitions

      • publicly expose
        To reveal the identity of someone and bring attention to their wrongdoings or unacceptable behavior

      • discourage someone
        Advise against engaging in a particular activity or task, cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit

    Examples of Name and shame

    • The school principal decided to name and shame the students who repeatedly violated the dress code by wearing shorts and skirts that were too short. This new policy was implemented in order to maintain a professional and academic atmosphere in the school.

      The expression "name and shame" means to publicly accuse and embarrass someone for their wrongdoings or misbehaviors. In this example, the students who disobeyed the dress code were exposed and held accountable for their actions by being identified as offenders.

    • In order to increase accountability among its employees, the company implemented a "name and shame" campaign. All instances of theft, misconduct, and poor performance were recorded and reported to the entire staff. This tactic was intended to discourage future wrongdoing and promote a culture of integrity and responsibility.

      The expression "name and shame" can also be used in a business context to emphasize transparency and fairness in dealing with wrongful conduct. In this example, the company's decision to openly acknowledge and address misbehavior is a demonstration of its commitment to maintaining a corrupt-free work environment.

    • The journalist wrote an article exposing the corrupt officials, naming and shaming them for their embezzlement of public funds. This act of whistleblowing was widely praised as a courageous and principled stand against corruption and abuse of power.

      In this example, the journalist's use of the "name and shame" technique served as a powerful tool to bring attention to the corrupt officials' actions and hold them accountable. By publicly shaming them, the journalist was able to expose the truth and promote transparency in government.

    • The high school principal implemented a "name and shame" program as a way to crack down on truancy. Absent students were recorded and their names were shared with teachers and parents. The program was intended to reinforce the importance of attendance and encourage attendance habits among students.

      In this example, the use of the "name and shame" tactic was implemented to promote positive behavior and reinforce school policies. By publicly disclosing the names of truant students, the principal was able to send a clear message about the importance of attendance and the potential consequences of skipping school.

    • The local council has decided to implement strict recycling rules and will "name and shame" anyone who consistently fails to adopt these guidelines.

      In this context, "name and shame" means publicly embarrassing or criticizing someone for breaking a rule or failing to meet an expectation. It includes both calling out the person's name and making it known to others that they have failed to live up to a certain standard.

    • The teacher threatened to "name and shame" the class if they didn't put in more effort and stop goofing off during their lessons.

      Here, "name and shame" is a warning that the teacher will not only publicly identify individuals who are misbehaving but also criticize or criticize them in front of their peers, which can be a highly effective way to motivate recalcitrant students to improve their behavior.

    • The gym has started a new initiative called "Fitness Challenge," where members can compare their progress and even "name and shame" each other for ranking lower on the leaderboard.

      In this example, "name and shame" is being used in a more lighthearted and encouraging sense of healthy competition, where members are motivated by the challenge and the potential for public recognition or criticism to push themselves to perform at their best.

    • The company's CEO announced that they would be implementing a "name and shame" policy for contractors who fail to meet quality standards, as a way to improve the overall performance and reliability of their services.

      Here, "name and shame" is being used to scare contractors into taking their work more seriously and delivering better results, as they will be held publicly accountable for any subpar work they do, which can harm their reputation and future prospects for work.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "name and shame" can be used to describe the act of publicly exposing someone's wrongdoings or to caution against engaging in a particular activity.

    Origin of "Name and shame"

    The origin of the idiom "name and shame" can be traced back to the concept of holding individuals or entities accountable for their actions. The phrase has its roots in the idea that by publicly revealing the identity of wrongdoers, they can be held accountable for their actions and discouraged from engaging in similar behavior in the future. This can also serve as a warning to others, deterring them from committing similar wrongdoings.

    The term gained popularity in the context of social and political activism, where individuals or organizations would publicly name and shame those who were involved in unethical or illegal activities. Over time, the idiom has also been used in a more general sense to caution against engaging in any activity that may result in negative consequences. The use of the idiom "name and shame" continues to be prevalent in various social, political, and professional contexts.