he that has an ill name is half hanged
1
used to imply that a person with a negative reputation is more likely to be judged harshly or punished severely, even if they are innocent
The origin of the proverb "he that has an ill name is half hanged" dates back to the 16th century and was first recorded by John Heywood in his 1546 work 'Dialogue of Proverbs.' The saying highlights the unfairness of prejudices and how quickly people may assume guilt based on reputation rather than facts. While it warns against the dangers of a negative reputation, it also highlights the need for others to avoid quick judgments and assumptions.
- Despite being innocent of the crime, the suspect's prior convictions led to a harsher sentence, demonstrating how he that has an ill name is half hanged.