clear one's name

Idioms  

1. Also, clear oneself. Prove someone (or oneself) innocent. For example, She not only wanted to be acquitted, she wanted to clear her name entirely. This locution employs the verb clear in the sense of “purify” or “wash away a stain.” [Late 1400s]

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Example Sentences

“That is an incredible burden,” she added pointing to the financial and emotional resources necessary to go through the appeals process to clear one’s name.

From Washington Times • May 5, 2021