black mark beside name

a black mark beside (one's) name

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

*black mark beside one's name

Fig. something negative associated with a person. (*Typically: get ~; have ~; give one ~.) I did it again! Now I've got still another black mark beside my name!See also: beside, black, mark, name