jeter l'opprobre

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cast shame on, heap opprobrium on
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العربية الفصحى
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/ʒə.te lɔ.pʁɔbʁ/
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To place the burden of public shame on someone.
Practice using jeter l'opprobre in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • Une accusation infondée a jeté l'opprobre sur toute la famille.
    An unfounded accusation brought disgrace upon the whole family.
  • La campagne a jeté l'opprobre sur des personnes qui n'avaient rien fait.
    The campaign heaped public shame on people who had done nothing wrong.
  • Il serait injuste de jeter l'opprobre sur les salariés pour cette décision.
    It would be unfair to cast shame on the employees for that decision.
  • Elle refuse qu'on jette l'opprobre sur son équipe sans preuve.
    She refuses to let anyone cast shame on her team without evidence.
  • Ce scandale jette l'opprobre sur la direction entière.
    This scandal brings disgrace on the entire management.

Similar words

traîner dans la boue
couvrir de honte
discréditer publiquement

Meanings

Bring public disgrace

reputation
literary
To make a person or group the object of public shame, usually by accusation or condemnation.

Examples

  • Une accusation infondée a jeté l'opprobre sur toute la famille.
    An unfounded accusation brought disgrace upon the whole family.
  • Il serait injuste de jeter l'opprobre sur les salariés pour cette décision.
    It would be unfair to cast shame on the employees for that decision.
  • La campagne a jeté l'opprobre sur des personnes qui n'avaient rien fait.
    The campaign heaped public shame on people who had done nothing wrong.
  • Ce scandale jette l'opprobre sur la direction entière.
    This scandal brings disgrace on the entire management.
  • Elle refuse qu'on jette l'opprobre sur son équipe sans preuve.
    She refuses to let anyone cast shame on her team without evidence.

Similar words

couvrir de honte
discréditer publiquement
traîner dans la boue

Etymology

The image joins jeter, “to throw”, with opprobre, “public shame”: disgrace is treated as something cast onto a person. No separate origin story is needed.

FAQ

What does jeter l'opprobre mean?

To bring public shame upon someone.

What usually follows the expression?

Sur introduces the person or group affected.

Is the expression formal?

Yes, it sounds elevated or literary.

Can an unfounded accusation do this?

Yes, the phrase does not itself prove that the blame is deserved.

What is opprobre?

Public disgrace or strong social condemnation.

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