a blot on (one's) escutcheon

A stain or mark against one's reputation or that of one's family. An escutcheon was a heraldic shield that bore a family's coat of arms, and thus serves as a metaphor for one's honor. I was at the top of my class in college, but that narcotics charge will be a blot on my escutcheon for years to come.

Common Names:

Name	Pronounced	Usage
Ovidio	-	Italian, Spanish
MiĤAelo	mee-khah-E-lo	Esperanto
Kalena	-	Hawaiian
Brennan	['brenən]
GunnbjÖRg	-	Ancient Scandinavian
Gwynedd	-	Welsh