reflect (redirected from reflects badly on)

reflect (back) (up)on someone or something

to remember or think about someone or something. (Upon is formal and less commonly used than on.) When I reflect back on the years I spent with my parents, I think I had a good childhood. I like to reflect on my great-grandmother.

reflect credit (up)on someone or something

[for some act] to bring credit to someone or something. (Upon is formal and less commonly used than on.) Your efforts really reflect credit upon you. Mary's success really reflected credit on the quality of her education.

See also: credit

reflected in something 

1. Lit. [of something] mirrored in something, such as a mirror, water, ice, etc. His image was reflected in the mirror, giving him a good view of his sunburn. When the hermit's image was reflected in the pool, he was amazed.

2. Fig. [of something] shown in a result. The extra charges will be reflected in next month's bill. I do not understand all the charges that are reflected in my statement.

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reflect on somebody/something

to influence the reputation of a person, group, or organization The outstanding work of our scientists reflects well on the entire university. If someone on our staff does a bad job, it reflects badly on all of us.

Usage notes: always used with an adverb and said of both good and bad influences on a reputation

reflect on something also reflect upon something

to think seriously about something Her essay invites the reader to reflect on the importance of art in people's lives.