Tis a blot on his escutcheon.

Meaning: A single shameful act permanently mars a person's reputation and family honor, like a stain that cannot be removed from a coat of arms.

Origin: From 'A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases' (1870). Public domain.

More proverbs about Wisdom

• He who blusters without reason has most reason to bluster. — Empty boasting reveals deep insecurity; the loudest voices often mask the weakest positio…
• I have a bone in my arm. — Claiming disability to avoid work reveals one's character through convenient excuses.
• The nearer the bone the sweeter the meat. — Proximity to difficulty yields greatest reward; best results come from reaching hardest d…
• They that are bound must obey. — Captive people have no choice but to submit to their captor's will and commands.
• A bow long bent at last waxeth weak. — Continuous strain without rest eventually exhausts even the strongest resources or people.
• The brain that sows not corn, plants thistles. — Idleness breeds destructive habits; a mind unused for constructive purpose defaults to ha…

← Back to Proverbs

Loading the full interactive collection…