blot
noun
Blot — a single act that stains an otherwise honorable reputation
Definition
An act that brings discredit to the person who does it; "he made a huge blot on his copybook"
In depth
A blot is an act that brings discredit to the person who does it, the figurative stain left on one's reputation or record by a single regrettable action. The word draws directly on the literal image of an ink stain marring an otherwise clean page, the metaphor suggesting that even one such mark can disproportionately mar an entire, otherwise admirable record.
Origin
The word's origin is uncertain, likely related to Old Norse blettr, a spot or stain. Its figurative extension to reputation draws directly on the physical image of ink spilled across paper, a single blot capable of marring an entire otherwise carefully written page, much as a single discreditable act can overshadow years of honorable conduct.
Usage examples
"He made a huge blot on his copybook with that one careless remark, undoing years of carefully built goodwill."
"The scandal remained the single blot on an otherwise distinguished career."
"She worried constantly about leaving any blot on the family name, however small or easily forgiven by others."
How to use it
Blot is vivid, somewhat literary vocabulary well suited to writing about reputation, legacy, and the lasting impact of a single regrettable action, particularly effective in the idiom 'blot on one's copybook,' describing a damaging mark on an otherwise clean record.
Related concepts
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