- Дурная слава накрепко пристает
- It is difficult to get rid of an ill reputation. See Дурное слово, что смола: пристанет - не отлепится (Д), Легко очернить, нелегко обелить (Л), Раз украл, а навек вором стал (P)
Var.: Дурная кличка накрепко ристаётCf: Give a dog a bad name and hang him (Am., Br.). Give a dog a bad name /, and his work is done/ (Br.). Give a dog a bad name, and it will stay with him (Am.). Glass, china, and reputation are easily cracked and never well mended (Am.). Не that has an ill name is half hanged (Br.). Не who has a bad name is half hanged (Am.). A wounded reputation is seldom cured (Am.)
Русско-английский словарь пословиц и поговорок. Академик.ру. 2013.