A good name is sooner lost than won.
This proverb highlights the fragility of a good reputation. It takes time and effort to build a good name, but it can be easily destroyed by a single mistake or misdeed. It is far easier to damage or lose a good reputation than it is to build one up. It takes a long time and consistent effort to establish trust and respect, but a single negative action, mistake, or scandal can quickly and severely tarnish that reputation. This proverb encourages people to act with integrity and maintain a positive image.
The proverb was first recorded in 1727 in John Gay's "Fox at Point of Death," in Fables.
One misstep in the public eye could end up severely damaging your business. Example would be, when a celeb or any good person works years to build great reputation and get respected by the public. However, if scandal of such good person breaks out, their image gets tarnished and it takes just a few days for the good reputation, which they took years to establish, to get ruined. Think carefully before you get involved in anything that is not strictly legal—remember that a good name is sooner lost than won.
