a black mark beside (one's) name
(redirected from a black mark beside our name)a black mark beside (one's) name
A long-lasting negative impact of a mistake. Jerry's speeding ticket was a black mark beside his name that prevented him from getting a job as a delivery man.
*black mark beside one's name
Fig. something negative associated with a person. (*Typically: get ~; have ~; give one ~.) I did it again! Now I've got still another black mark beside my name!