smear (one's) name
To disparage one publicly, especially to the detriment of one's reputation. I'm trying to maintain a fair and respectable campaign, but my opponent keeps trying to smear my name in all her television ads. They forced him to resign because of the incident. Now they're trying to smear his good name in order to protect themselves from blame.
smear (one's) reputation
To damage of one's reputation, especially by disparaging one publicly. I'm trying to maintain a fair and respectable campaign, but my opponent keeps trying to smear my reputation in all her television ads. They forced him to resign because of the incident. Now they're trying to smear his reputation in order to protect themselves from blame.
smear (someone or something) with (something)
1. To spread or daub some substance onto someone or something. I came into the kitchen and saw that our toddler had smeared the walls with chocolate. The leader smeared the warriors with paint to intimidate their foes.
2. To damage or attempt to ruin someone's or something's reputation through the perpetuation of claims or rumors about their failures or faults, whether these are true, exaggerated, or falsified. The president's reelection campaign has already begun smearing her opponent. The company argued that its competition had been trying to smear their reputation with false claims about using sweatshop labor in their manufacturing process.
smear (something) on(to) (something)
To spread or daub some substance on(to someone or something). I came into the kitchen and saw our toddler smearing chocolate on the walls. The warrior smeared war paint on his face to intimidate his foes.
smear campaign
A concentrated and prolonged effort to damage or ruin someone's or some group's reputation through the perpetuation of claims about their failures or faults, whether these are true, exaggerated, or falsified. Generally as a means of persuading a large number of people against him, her, or them, especially in a political election. Primarily heard in US. The local sheriff's slim lead heading into the election quickly evaporated after a vicious smear campaign began targeting his former substance abuse. I think we need to start a smear campaign to slow down the competitor's growth in the market, but no one can know that it's coming from us!
smeared
slang Killed in a car accident. I nearly got smeared by a huge truck on the interstate this morning! You need to be more careful crossing the street, or else you'll end up smeared on the pavement.
the whole schmear
Something in its entirety, including every related or expected element or detail. I want a traditional wedding, with the cake, the dress—the whole schmear. Our customers can expect the whole schmear from our travel packages—first-class flights, four-star accommodation, and the best restaurants in the entire city.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
smear campaign (against someone)
a campaign aimed at damaging someone's reputation by making accusations and spreading rumors. The politician's opponents are engaging in a smear campaign against him. Jack started a smear campaign against Tom so that Tom wouldn't get the manager's job.
smear someone or something with something
1. to spread or rub someone or something with some substance. Bitty smeared Bobby with mud and made him very angry. You should smear that burn with lotion. He smeared himself with grease and ruined his shirt.
2. to damage the reputation of someone or something by spreading serious charges or rumors. He smeared his opponent with all sorts of charges. The speaker smeared the entire city with his criticism.
smear something on(to) someone or something
and smear something onto spread or rub something onto someone or something. Judy asked Jeff to smear the sun lotion onto her, and he was very happy to do so. she smeared on the lotion. Jane smeared a little on.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.