dirt on {sb}
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
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.
- By the time the scandal broke out, the media had already found enough dirt on him to ensure his political downfall.
- I don't have any dirt on him, but I'll keep my eyes and ears open.
- She dug up some dirt on him and used it to ruin his chances of getting the job.
- The journalist has been gathering dirt on the politician for months to expose his corruption.