All 3 Uses of
reproach
in
A Prayer for Owen Meany
- In the first place, she reproached him, the delivery boys were "total strangers."†
p. 523.8reproached = criticized
- The alertness and anxiety in the Meanys' expressions suggested to me that they remembered how Owen had reproached them for their uninvited attendance at that Nativity.†
p. 570.6 *
- And their nervous fixation upon Owen's medal, pinned to the American flag, suggested that the Meanys quite possibly feared that Owen might rise up from his casket as he had risen up from the mountain of hay in the manger—and once again reproach his parents.†
p. 570.8reproach = a criticism; or to express criticism
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.