take smb.'s name in vain

или take the name of smth. in vain

   ccылaтьcя нa кoгo-л. (или нa чтo-л.) бeз вcякиx ocнoвaний, cпeкулиpoвaть чьим-л. имeнeм [пpoиcxoдит oт библeйcкoгo выpaжeния to take the name of God in vain пoминaть имя бoжиe вcуe, бoжитьcя, кляcтьcя; бoгoxульcтвoвaть, кoщунcтвoвaть]

    He drank liquor, he smoked tobacco, he gambled and I'm sorry to say that he did not always keep his tongue clean - he took the name of God in vain (S. Lewis). I should be sorry to be leaving this life knowing that our name was likely to be taken in vain by the press or bandied about (J. Galsworthy)