name names

Idioms and Phrases

Specify persons by name, especially those who are accused of something. For example, More than one person was involved in the robbery, and his lawyer said he would get a shorter sentence if he named names . It is also put negatively, name no names , as in Some of our neighbors disobey the town's leash law, but I'm naming no names . The negative form was first recorded in 1792.

Example Sentences

He would go on to name names before the House Un-American Activities Committee as a friendly witness.

From The Daily Beast

After a month of refusing to name names, Nugent was released.

From The Daily Beast

Frum refused to name names, saying he does so in his book, but do we doubt whom he was targeting?

From The Daily Beast

Look for a director, Charles Eitel, a man of principle who will name names to keep working.

From The Daily Beast

Pellicano refused to name names at his trial and was sentenced by Fischer to 15 years in prison.

From The Daily Beast

I don't like to name names, but as we're all friends here, I don't mind saying he were a downright blackguard.

From Project Gutenberg

Were it not that I have no desire to be personal I could name names and make it clear to the public those who don't know how.

From Project Gutenberg

Among us it is unnecessary to name names or publish identities.

From Project Gutenberg

It wasn't for her to name names, but a certain young man had gone far, very far.

From Project Gutenberg

They are not Old Chester people—so you won't mind if I don't name names?

From Project Gutenberg