bum rap

plural bum raps

1. slangA false accusation, or an injustice, especially one that leads to imprisonment.

   . . . going over the top of the wall of the Trenton prison, where I was sent on a bum rap.

   1918 October 7, “Hun Talk”, in Chicago Daily Tribune, page 17

2. idiomaticAn undeservedly unfavorable portrayal or reputation.

   Orthopedic surgeon Robert Marx, with New York's Hospital for Special Surgery, says that findings from the current study should not give arthroscopic knee surgery a bum rap.

   2008 September 10, Patti Neighmond, “Study: Arthroscopic Surgery Provides Few Benefits”, in National Public Radio, retrieved 24 Mar 2009

   Synonyms: bad rap