Yojijukugo
Japanese meaning of 汚名返上
Voice sample:
おめいへんじょう (omei henjou)
English Translation:
Clearing one's name
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Literally “giving back a bad name”; clearing away a bad reputation by doing well.
日本語で読む
よい結果を出して、悪い評判や不名誉を消し去ること。
Cultural Context:
It is used when someone who failed before makes up for it, such as a team that lost badly and then wins the next game.
日本語で読む
前に失敗した人やチームが、次の活躍で悪い評判をはらすときに使う。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Often “汚名返上する” or “汚名返上のチャンス.”
日本語で読む
•「汚名返上する」「汚名返上のチャンス」のように使う。
Trap for English Speakers
汚名挽回 is a common mix-up of 汚名返上 and 名誉挽回 and is often treated as a mistake. 汚名返上 or 名誉挽回 is the safe choice.
日本語で読む
「汚名挽回」は「汚名返上」と「名誉挽回」がまざった言い方として、まちがいとされることが多い。「汚名返上」か「名誉挽回」を使うのが無難。
Example
Example 1Basic Example
先週は自分のミスで負けたので、今日の試合で汚名返上したい。
We lost last week because of my mistake, so I want to redeem myself in today's game.
Example 2Applied Example
前回は屋根から足をすべらせた忍びが、汚名返上とばかりに城の屋根を三回宙返りしながら渡った。
The ninja who slipped off the roof last time crossed the castle roof doing three somersaults, as if to clear his name.
Quick check
Meaning
What does 「汚名返上」 mean?