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shame
a shame
An unfortunate situation. The term is used either in consolation or ironically. I heard that things didn't work out between you two, that's a real shame. You only have two yachts after the third one sunk? Aw, what a shame!
name and shame
1. verb phrase To publicly name or otherwise identify a person, group, or organization that is guilty of some criminal or anti-social act so as to expose him, her, or them to public shame. The federal agency's plan—to name and shame local criminals across the country with a published list of their names and convictions—is being branded by some advocacy groups as a violation of privacy.
2. noun phrase The act of exposing a culpable person, group, or organization to public shame. Look, I'm just as upset as anyone, but I'm not willing to take part in some name and shame against everyone in the neighborhood!
crying shame
Fig. a very unfortunate situation; a real shame. It's a crying shame that people cannot afford adequate housing. That your father could not attend graduation was a crying shame.
Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.
Prov. After being tricked once, one should be wary, so that the person cannot trick you again. Fred: Would you like a can of peanuts? Jane: The last can of peanuts you gave me had a toy snake in it. Fred: This one really is peanuts. Jane: Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.
For shame!
That is shameful! Sue: Did you hear that Tom was in jail? Fred: For shame! What did he do? Sue: Nobody knows. Mary: I've decided not to go to the conference. John: For shame! Who will represent us?
hide one's face in shame
Fig. to cover one's face because of shame or embarrassment. Mary was so embarrassed. She could only hide her face in shame. When Tom broke Ann's crystal vase, he wanted to hide his face in shame.
put someone to shame
1. to embarrass someone; to make someone ashamed. I put him to shame by telling everyone about his bad behavior.
2. to show someone up. Your excellent efforts put us all to shame.
shame of it (all)
That is so shameful!; I am so embarrassed; I am shocked. (Considerable use jocularly or as a parody. Compare this with For shame!) John: Good grief! I have a pimple! Always, just before a date. Andy: The shame of it all! Tom: John claims that he cheated on his taxes. Bill: Golly! The shame of it!
shame on you
a phrase scolding someone for being naughty. (*Typically said to a child or to an adult for a childish infraction.) John: I think I broke one of your figurines. Mary: Shame on you! John: I'll replace it, of course. Mary: Thanks, I sort of liked it. "Shame on you!" said Mary. "You should have known better!"
Tell the truth and shame the devil.
Prov. to tell the truth even though you have strong reasons for concealing it. Jill: Have you been using my computer without asking permission? Jane: Uh... no.... Jill: Come on, Jane, tell the truth and shame the devil.
What a pity!
and What a shame!Fig. an expression of consolation meaning That's too bad. (Can also be used sarcastically.) Bill: I'm sorry to tell you that the cat died today. Mary: What a pity! Mary: The cake is ruined! Sally: What a shame!
it's a crying shame
(spoken) it is a great misfortune It's a crying shame when someone has worked hard and then loses everything because of someone else's dishonesty.
put somebody to shame
to cause someone to be embarrassed I thought I was in pretty good shape for hiking, but Astrid, who is in her 70s, put me to shame.
shame on you
(spoken) you should feel embarrassed by something you have done Protesters chanted a€?shame on youa€? at the university's president. Shame on me for not checking the schedule and getting there half an hour late.
It's a crying shame!
something that you say when you think a situation is wrong (often + that ) It's a crying shame that she only gets one month's maternity leave.
crying shame, a
An unfortunate situation, as in It's a crying shame that Bob can't find a job. This term may well come from the now obsolete to cry shame upon, meaning "express vigorous disapproval or censure," current from about 1600 to the mid-1800s.
for shame
Also, shame on you. An expression that condemns someone for being dishonorable or disgraceful. For example, " For shame," said Carol to the puppy, "You shouldn't have done that," or "Shame on you for cheating," the teacher said. [c. 1300]
put to shame
Outdo, eclipse, as in Jane's immaculate kitchen puts mine to shame. This idiom modifies the literal sense of put to shame, that is, "disgrace someone," to the much milder "cause to feel inferior." [Mid-1800s]
shame on you
put to shame
1. To cause to feel shame.
2. To outdo thoroughly; surpass: Your kindness has put the rest of us to shame.
sense of shame
An understanding and respect for propriety and morality.