Definition
臭名远扬 is a four-character idiom (成语) meaning 'one's stinky reputation spreads far and wide' — i.e., to be notorious or infamous. The literal image is a bad smell carried by the wind, but the word is used figuratively for people, companies, or regimes whose bad name is widely known. It carries strong negative judgment and is typically used in formal or journalistic contexts.
f.e.
notoriousinfamous (lit. 'stinky reputation spreads far')
Examples
- 臭名远扬。Zhè jiā gōngsī yīnwèi chǎnpǐn zhìliàng chà ér chòu míng yuǎn yáng.This company is notorious for its poor product quality.
- 臭名远扬，。Nà ge tān guān zǎoyǐ chòu míng yuǎn yáng, méi rén yuànyì xiāngxìn tā.That corrupt official has long been infamous; no one is willing to trust him.
- 臭名远扬，。Zhège zǔzhī zài quán shìjiè chòu míng yuǎn yáng, shòudào gè guó qiǎnzé.This organization is notorious worldwide and condemned by many countries.
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