judge one on own merits
judge (one) on (one's) own merits
To form an opinion, estimation, or determination about one based solely on one's own strengths and weaknesses, to the exclusion of any other related person or thing. I know my father was an incredible actor, but I just want to be judged on my own merits. I know there is a lot of controversy surrounding the company she previously worked for, but, judged on her own merits, she's definitely the best fit for the job.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
judge one on one's own merits
to evaluate one on one's own good and bad points and no one else's. Please judge Janet on her own merits. I was judged on my own merits.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.