Both Uses of
reproach
in
Beowulf - (translated by: Ebbutt)
- With bitter words he reproached his cowardly comrades, saying: "I remember how we boasted, as we sat in the mead hall and drank the foaming ale, as we took gladly the gold and jewels which our king lavished upon us, that we would repay him for all his gifts, if ever such need there were!†
reproached = criticized
- [Illustration: The death of Beowulf] The Geats stood silent, abashed before the keen and deserved reproaches of the young hero, and they lamented the livelong day†
*reproaches = criticizes; or criticisms
Definition:
a criticism; or to express criticism or disappointment -- especially where a relationship makes the disapproval result in disappointment or shame
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.
"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.