drag someone or something through the dirt

drag (someone or something) through the dirt

To say or do something that damages someone or something's reputation. It's very unfortunate that a disgruntled former employee has begun dragging our company's good name through the dirt.See also: dirt, drag, through

drag someone or something through the dirt (or mud)

make damaging allegations about someone or something. 1998 Economist The deputy prime minister…is having his name dragged through the mud. See also: dirt, drag, someone, something, through