a good name is sooner lost than won

proverb It is much easier to lose a good reputation than to earn it. One misstep in the public eye could end up severely damaging your business. A good name is sooner lost than won, man. Hey, the staff can't find out that I'm the one who proposed the layoffs. I'm no fool, I know that a good name is sooner lost than won! Edgar is a shining example of the axiom "a good name is sooner lost than won"—he came from a very noble family, but his lascivious lifestyle ended up sullying his name.