blot one’s copy book: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘blot one's copy book’ mean?
The idiom "blot one's copy book" means to make a mistake or do something that harms one's reputation or standing.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "take a leaf out of someone's book" means to imitate or learn from someone's actions or behavior that has been successful or admirable.
The idiom "have one's name taken" means to have someone write down or record your name in order to keep track of or remember you, often for a specific purpose or event.
The idiom "go wrong" means that something does not go as planned or expected, and results in a failure or a mistake.
The idiom "get one's fingers burnt" means to suffer negative consequences or experience a setback due to one's own actions or decisions. It implies getting physically or metaphorically hurt or harmed as a result of taking a risk or involving oneself in a dangerous or risky situation.
The idiom "foul up" means to make a mistake or do something incorrectly, causing confusion or problems. It is often used to describe errors or mishaps that disrupt or mess up a situation, plan, or task.
The idiom "for the book" means to do something exactly as it should be done, following all rules and guidelines. It suggests a strict adherence to the prescribed processes or standards.
The idiom "fall on one's face" means to fail or make a mistake in a very obvious or embarrassing way.
The idiom "fall foul" means to come into conflict or disagreement with someone or something, often resulting in negative consequences.
The idiom "everything one touches turns to shit" means that everything a person comes into contact with or tries to do goes wrong or becomes a disaster.
Exploring Hidden Stains
The idiom 'blot one's copy book' is used to express the idea of making a mistake or committing an error that reflects poorly on one's reputation or performance. It is commonly used in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United Kingdom, and is considered informal in nature.
Derived from the literal act of blotting ink on a copy book, the idiom originated when copy books were used by schoolchildren to practice their handwriting. If a mistake was made, the child would typically blot the ink to prevent it from smudging. Therefore, 'blotting one's copy book' referred to making an error in writing and then attempting to fix or hide it.
Over time, the literal act of blotting ink on a copy book came to symbolize making a mistake or error in any aspect of life. The idiom gained popularity and started being used figuratively to describe any action that could stain or harm one's reputation or record.
Take for instance the idiom 'foul up'. It shares a similar concept with 'blot one's copy book', as it involves making a mistake or messing up in some way. If someone fouls up, they have committed an error that negatively affects their performance or outcomes. This can lead to a tarnished reputation or record, which aligns with the meaning of 'blot one's copy book'.
Similarly, 'take a leaf out of someone's book' is another idiom that can be related to 'blot one's copy book'. When someone takes a leaf out of someone's book, they are imitating or learning from someone else's successful approach or behavior. This idiomatic expression implies that one can avoid making the same mistakes as others and thereby prevent blots on their own copy book. By following someone's example, they can maintain a positive reputation or record.
Furthermore, the idiom 'burn one's fingers' can also be tied to 'blot one's copy book'. If someone burns their fingers, it means that they have experienced negative consequences or suffered harm as a result of their actions. This can result in a tarnished reputation or a stain on their copy book, reflecting a similar outcome to committing an error that blots one's copy book.
The idiom 'blot one's copy book' is widely used across various contexts, including professional settings, personal relationships, and casual conversations. For instance, in a professional context, if a highly regarded employee makes a significant mistake that damages the company's reputation, it can be said that they have blotted their copy book. The same concept applies in personal relationships, where a person's actions can lead to a breakdown in trust or a damaged reputation. Even in casual conversations, the idiom can be used to point out someone's blunder or failure, as it carries a negative connotation.
Overall, the idiomatic expression 'blot one's copy book' serves as a reminder of the potential consequences that errors or misjudgments can have on one's reputation or performance. Its origins lie in the literal act of blotting ink on a copy book, which has been metaphorically expanded to encompass a broader range of mistakes or failures. By following a conversational style and adhering to the rules of AP style, this article has been edited for clarity, structure, and readability.
Example usage
1. He made a series of mistakes that blotted his copy book with the boss, and now his chances of getting a promotion are slim.
2. The politician's scandalous behavior has blotted his copy book, and it will likely affect his chances of getting re-elected.
3. The student's poor attendance and consistent late submissions have blotted his copy book with the teacher, making it unlikely that he will receive a good recommendation for college.
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