live down
The phrase "live down" is commonly used to describe efforts to overcome or erase the memory of a past mistake or embarrassment.
Definition
B2General
(informal)To make others forget or forgive a past mistake by demonstrating improved behavior over time.
Example
- It took years for him to live down the scandal.
- She worked hard to live down her early career missteps.
B2Psychological
(informal)To mentally overcome the shame or embarrassment of a past event.
Example
- He struggled to live down the embarrassment of his public failure.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "live down":
go downlive outcome downlive inlive withlive onget downbed downlay downkeep downsettle downput downmake downmove downdoss downcome down tolie downtalk downquiet downdie awayback downlive offlay lowlie overbunk downquieten downlay inlay overrun downcall downlaugh downlay to restdie on one's arselive onecry downlie behindhush downgo down withargue downlet downget down onlay aboutlie inturn downset downride downtone downdress downplay deadlard downbring downduck downdown totake down a notch