damage control

noun

: measures taken to offset or minimize damage to reputation, credibility, or public image caused by a controversial act, remark, or revelation

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

The news set off a blame game internally, with executives in New York, London and Zurich turning on one another instead of focusing on damage control. —Marion Halftermeyer, Fortune, 19 Mar. 2023

However, Paton managed some damage control, dealing pass rusher Bradley Chubb to the Miami Dolphins before the trade deadline and recouping a first-round spot in 2023, albeit one – initially property of the San Francisco 49ers – that will land much further down the board. —Nate Davis, USA TODAY, 26 Dec. 2022

That’s probably why someone at Founders Fund hit up Axios for damage control: someone — can’t imagine who! —Elizabeth Lopatto, The Verge, 15 Mar. 2023

However, Paton managed some damage control, dealing Chubb to the Miami Dolphins before the trade deadline and recouping a first-round spot in 2023, albeit one – initially property of the San Francisco 49ers – that will land much further down the board. —Nate Davis, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2023

In an effort at damage control, officials have sought to smear Moskalyov. —Natalia Abbakumova, Washington Post, 31 Mar. 2023

The White House denied Beijing’s accusation and described the claim as an attempt at damage control. —Nectar Gan, CNN, 13 Feb. 2023

After receiving significant criticism for its silence from prominent Cuban Americans such as Senator Marco Rubio (R., Fla.), today, the Biden administration circulated a press release that seems to be an effort at damage control more than anything else. —Aron Ravin, National Review, 12 July 2021

That finding was met with skepticism by some, including Allen, who questioned whether Dr. Berendzen had been trying to do damage control by sharing his account of childhood abuse. —Harrison Smith, Washington Post, 28 Mar. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above