Both Uses of
reproach
in
The Importance of Being Earnest
- [Reproachfully.†
Act 1
- Whatever unfortunate entanglement my dear boy may have got into, I will never reproach him with it after we are married.
Act 2 *reproach = criticize
Definition:
-
(reproach) a criticism; or to express criticism or disappointment -- especially where a relationship makes the disapproval result in disappointment or shameeditor's notes: The expression "beyond reproach" is often used to indicate that one must not only be careful to do everything right, but must be careful not to do anything that might make people suspect they did something wrong. For example, politicians often need to behave in a manner that is beyond reproach.
"Beyond reproach" can also suggest that something is perfect. More rarely, it can also be used to suggest that someone is too powerful or too well-connected to criticize.