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UKdirt on sb
/dˈɜːt ˌɒn ˌɛsbˈiː/
/dˈɜːt ˌɑːn ˌɛsbˈiː/dirt on sb
[PHRASE]1
the action of publishing or spreading unpleasant details about someone's private life in order to negatively impact the public's opinion of them
What is the origin of the idiom "dirt on someone" and when to use it?
The idiom "dirt on someone" is believed to have originated in the mid-20th century and has its roots in the concept of dirt as a metaphor for shameful or embarrassing information. The phrase is commonly used in a gossip or scandal context, where someone has information that could be used to expose secrets or weaknesses of another person.
Examples
1. I don't have any dirt on him, but I'll keep my eyes and ears open.
2. She dug up some dirt on him and used it to ruin his chances of getting the job.
3. By the time the scandal broke out, the media had already found enough dirt on him to ensure his political downfall.
4. The freelance investigative reporter made a career of digging up dirt on celebrities for tabloids.
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