Dictionary

take someone's name in vain en · VERB

Etymology

By extension from the widely known religious proscription against taking the Lord's name in vain, that is, uttering it in ways that are gratuitous and irreverent, such as swearing oaths casually.

Meanings

1. To speak insultingly about someone, especially behind their back.
   • I'm afeard I took your name in vain, awhile ago , young gentleman; but how could I tell you were hearkening to me ?” 1851, William J. O'Neill Daunt, The Gentleman in Debt: A Novel, page 75:
   • I took your name in vain, Mr. Mathias , in suggesting that we would have another good ally on the Appropriations Committee to get money for additional assistance down there. 1977, United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on the Judiciary. Subcommittee on Antitrust and Monopoly, Oversight of Antitrust Enforcement: Hearings Before the Subcommittee on Antitrust and Monopoly of the Committee on the Judiciary, United States Senate, Ninety-fifth Congress, First Session ..., page 484:
   • All this bother is due to my interfering in matters which do not concern me but concern your W.D. Mrs. F. will make F. squint , I expect! I took your name in vain. 1936, The National Review:
   • Hollywood honchos courted her, flattered her, showered her with gifts—and took her name in vain behind her back. 2010, William J. Mann, How to Be a Movie Star: Elizabeth Taylor in Hollywood 1941-1981, Faber & Faber, →ISBN, page 55:
   • He never once took her name in vain among the fellows: and she had not been a very good girl, either. 1887, Elizabeth Stuart Phelps, Jack the Fisherman, page 17:

Forms