name names: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘name names’ mean?
The idiom "name names" means to reveal the identities of individuals involved in a particular situation, often used in the context of exposing wrongdoers or providing specific details.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "tell tales" means to reveal or disclose secret information or to give away confidential or incriminating details about someone or something.
The idiom "run one's name" means to establish or protect one's reputation or good name. It refers to taking actions to ensure that one's name is associated with positive qualities or actions.
The idiom "name and shame" means to publicly identify and criticize someone, often for their wrongdoings or unethical behavior.
The idiom "murder will out" means that a murder or any wrongdoing will eventually be revealed or discovered. This idiom suggests that it is difficult to hide or keep a secret about a serious crime, as the truth will eventually come to light.
The idiom "mum's the word" means to keep quiet or not reveal information, often because it is a secret or should not be shared. It implies the need for confidentiality or silence in a situation.
The idiom "mouth the words" means to silently or mimically articulate words without actually saying them out loud. It commonly refers to situations where someone is pretending to speak or is unable to vocalize their thoughts.
The idiom "mix up" means to confuse or interchange things or people, leading to a misunderstanding or disorder. It implies a lack of clarity or organization in a situation. It is often used to describe situations where things or people are mistakenly combined or misunderstood.
The idiom "make news" means to create or generate significant attention, publicity, or interest in a particular event, situation, or person.
The idiom "make mention of" means to briefly refer to or acknowledge something or someone. It is often used when discussing or talking about a particular topic or person without going into great detail.
The idiom "make fun of" means to mock or ridicule someone or something in a lighthearted or derogatory manner.
Decoding "Name Names"
The related idiom "name and shame" is often used in conjunction with "name names". While "name names" refers to identifying specific individuals, "name and shame" takes it a step further by publicly exposing and criticizing those individuals for their actions or behavior.
When someone "names and shames" others, they are bringing attention to their wrongdoing in order to hold them accountable or change their behavior. This can be done through various means, such as publishing their names, sharing evidence or testimonies, or publicly denouncing their actions. The goal is to publicly shame and embarrass the individuals in question, often in the hopes of deterring similar actions in the future.
Similar to "name names", "name and shame" can have both positive and negative consequences. On one hand, it can be a powerful tool for social justice and promoting accountability. By exposing individuals who engage in harmful or unethical behavior, it can help create a safer and more transparent society. On the other hand, it can also lead to unintended consequences, such as harassment or the potential for false accusations.
Another related idiom is "tell tales", which shares similarities with "name names" in terms of revealing specific information or individuals. However, "tell tales" often implies a sense of tattling or gossiping, rather than providing important evidence or testimonies.
When someone "tells tales", they are typically sharing information, especially about someone else's misbehavior or secrets, with the intention of causing trouble or gaining an advantage. This can be seen in various contexts, from childhood tales of playground drama to adults engaging in office gossip. The act of "telling tales" is often associated with seeking attention or stirring up controversy.
While "name names" and "name and shame" focus on identifying specific individuals for a particular purpose, "tell tales" is more about spreading information and possibly incriminating others without a specific goal in mind. It is important to note that "tell tales" can sometimes be considered negative or harmful, as it involves sharing potentially unverified or damaging information without proper context or consequence.
Overall, these idioms provide nuanced ways to talk about the act of identifying individuals and revealing specific information. While "name names" emphasizes the importance of providing crucial details and taking ownership, "name and shame" highlights the desire to hold individuals accountable publicly. "Tell tales", on the other hand, focuses more on gossip and potentially harmful sharing of information.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "name names" can be used in a sentence:
- During the trial, the witness was asked to name names and identify the individuals involved in the crime.
- In order to receive a reduced sentence, the defendant agreed to cooperate with the authorities and name names of his accomplices.
- The journalist promised to protect the anonymity of the source, but still managed to name names in her article.
More "Verbs" idioms
