Meaning & Explanation
The idiom “A bad man is better than a bad name” means that even if a person has made mistakes or has flaws, having a bad reputation is far worse. A person can still change or improve, but a tarnished name or character is hard to restore.
Hindi Equivalent:
“बदनाम से बुरा बेहतर” (Badnaam se bura behtar)
Literal Meaning: “It is better to be bad than to be known as bad.”
Detailed Explanation
This idiom highlights the power of reputation in society. A person who has done wrong still has the chance to correct themselves, but once someone’s name is spoiled—even without reason—it is very difficult to regain trust and respect. Society often judges people by their reputation rather than by facts or actions. So, a “bad man” can become better, but a “bad name” may follow someone forever.
Examples in Real Life
1. Social Judgment
English: “Amit made a few mistakes in his youth, but he changed for the better. Still, people only remember him for his past.”
Hindi: “अमित ने अपनी जवानी में कुछ गलतियाँ कीं, लेकिन बाद में सुधर गया। फिर भी लोग उसे केवल उसके अतीत के लिए याद करते हैं।”
2. Workplace Reputation
English: “Meena was falsely accused of fraud. Even after being proven innocent, her reputation at work was never the same.”
Hindi: “मीना पर धोखाधड़ी का झूठा आरोप लगा। निर्दोष साबित होने के बावजूद उसकी कार्यस्थल पर प्रतिष्ठा पहले जैसी नहीं रही।”
3. School & Friendships
English: “Rahul was labeled as a troublemaker in school after one incident. Even when he behaved well, teachers kept a close eye on him.”
Hindi: “राहुल को स्कूल में एक घटना के बाद शरारती कह दिया गया। बाद में जब वह ठीक से व्यवहार करता था, तब भी शिक्षक उस पर नज़र रखते थे।”
Usage Tips
- Use this idiom when discussing the importance of maintaining a good reputation.
- Helpful in moral lessons, motivational speeches, or character-based discussions.
- Reminds people to think before taking actions that may impact how others perceive them.
Similar Proverbs & Synonyms
| English Proverb | Hindi Equivalent |
|---|---|
| “A good name is better than riches.” | “अच्छी प्रतिष्ठा धन से बढ़कर है।” |
| “Reputation is everything.” | “इज़्ज़त सबसे ऊपर होती है।” |
| “It takes years to build a reputation and seconds to destroy it.” | “प्रतिष्ठा बनाना वर्षों का काम है, खोना एक पल की बात।” |
Key Takeaway
Mistakes can be corrected, but a damaged name can last a lifetime. This idiom teaches us the value of character and perception in society. It reminds us to act in ways that preserve our reputation because once lost, even innocence might not restore it.
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