Fame & Reputation: English Vocabulary List

used to imply that having a good reputation, character, and integrity is more important than having wealth or material possessions

"A good reputation is more valuable than money — a good name is far better than riches."

"He chose honesty over profit because he believed a good name is far better than riches in the long run."

used to imply that a person's good reputation and character will remain intact even when they are not in the public eye or when they are facing difficult circumstances

"A good reputation survives even in difficult times — a good name keeps its luster in the dark."

"Even during the difficult period, her integrity kept her reputation intact — a good name keeps its luster in the dark."

used to suggest that once someone's reputation is tarnished, it can be difficult to restore

"A bad reputation destroys a person — give a dog a bad name and hang him."

"Once the rumour spread, his career was finished — give a dog a bad name and hang him."

used to imply that a person with a negative reputation is more likely to be judged harshly or punished severely, even if they are innocent

"A bad name makes life very hard — he that has an ill name is half hanged."

"The product's association with the scandal made it almost impossible to sell — he that has an ill name is half hanged."

used to imply that physical wounds can heal with time and treatment, whereas damage to one's reputation or good name can be more lasting and difficult to repair

"A damaged reputation never fully heals — an ill wound is cured, not an ill name."

"The retraction was published but the damage was done — an ill wound is cured, not an ill name."

used to warn about the potential pitfalls of notoriety or fame, and encourage careful consideration of one's actions and how they might be perceived by others

"Famous people are known by more people than they know — more people know Tom Fool than Tom Fool knows."

"He was recognised everywhere but knew almost no one personally — more people know Tom Fool than Tom Fool knows."

used to suggest that any publicity or attention, even if negative, is ultimately beneficial for someone or something because it raises awareness and generates interest

"Any publicity brings attention — there is no such thing as bad publicity."

"The controversy actually boosted sales — there is no such thing as bad publicity."

used to suggest that if someone makes enough false or negative accusations against another person, some of those accusations are likely to be believed, regardless of whether they are true or false

"Repeat an accusation enough and people believe it — throw dirt enough, and some will stick."

"The campaign made relentless false claims, knowing that throw dirt enough and some will stick."