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Somebody’s name is mud

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Negative ConnotationPlay
The phrase often implies a strong negative judgment and can suggest someone is untrustworthy or dishonorable. SlideShe cheated in the exam, now her name is mud in this school.
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Not LiteralPlay
This is a figurative expression. It doesn't mean the person's name is literally written in mud. SlideHe lied to his friend and his name was mud, though not in the garden but in the gossip circles.
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Informal UsagePlay
It is used in casual conversation and is not suitable for formal contexts, like business or academic writing. SlideSince the scandal, his name is mud in our neighborhood, but you wouldn't read about it in the newspaper.