have a black mark beside (one's) name

have a black mark beside (one's) name

To have one's reputation permanently harmed by the long-lasting negative impact or outcome of some action or mistake. Jerry has had a black mark beside his name ever since his arrest. It really ruined his standing within the industry. They let me keep my job after I got caught, but I have a feeling that I'll have a black mark beside my name for the rest of my career. That team's general manager has had a black mark beside his name ever since he traded their ace pitcher for next-to-nothing.

See also: beside, black, have, mark, name

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