a black mark against someone

a black mark against (one)

A long-lasting negative impact of a mistake that harms one's reputation. Jerry's speeding ticket was a black mark on his driving record that prevented him from getting a job as a delivery man.See also: black, mark

a black mark against someone

something that someone has done that is disliked or disapproved of by other people. The literal meaning of the phrase is a black cross or spot marked against the name of a person who has done something wrong.See also: black, mark, someone