This is lesson 8 from Idiom Part 2. Each idiom is followed by its definition and examples. After you learn them, you can use them in your daily conversation.
Previous English Idiom Lesson
In our previous English idiom lesson, we cover below:
English Idiom Part 2- Lesson 8- Idioms on Color Black/White and Red/Blue
1- Black or white= A situation with clearly opposing options, often with no middle ground.
He sees every issue as black or white, never considering the grey areas.
2- Blackest day of my life= The worst or most tragic day someone has experienced.
The day I lost my father was the blackest day of my life.
3- White- collar employees= Workers who typically perform professional, managerial, or administrative work, often in an office setting.
The company is planning to hire more white collar employees for their finance and marketing departments.
4- As white as a sheet= Extremely pale, often due to fear, shock, or illness.
When he saw the accident, he turned as white as a sheet.
5- In the black= Financially profitable; not in debt.
After a tough year, the company is finally in the black.
6- The black market= The illegal buying and selling of goods.
Some rare medicines are being sold on the black market.
7- Black eye= A bruise around the eye caused by a blow; also used metaphorically for damage to reputation.
The scandal gave the politician a black eye just before the election.
8- Black economy = Economic activity that is not reported to the authorities and therefore not taxed.
Many cash-in-hand jobs are part of the black economy.
9- A black look= A facial expression showing anger or disapproval.
She gave me a black look when I mentioned the topic again.
10- Out of the blue= Completely unexpectedly.
He called me out of the blue after five years of silence.
11- Black spot= A place or situation that is known for being dangerous or problematic.
That curve on the highway is a known black spot for accidents.
12- The red carpet treatment= To be treated with special hospitality and care, like a VIP.
Whenever I visit my grandparents, I get the red carpet treatment.
13- White lie = A harmless or small lie, often told to avoid hurting someone.
I told her a white lie about her cooking so she wouldn’t feel bad.
14- Red tape = Excessive bureaucracy or rigid rules that cause delay.
We couldn’t launch the product on time because of all the red tape involved in getting approvals.
15- Red rag to a bull = Something likely to provoke anger or aggression.
Mentioning his ex-girlfriend is like a red rag to a bull, he completely loses his temper.
16- Blue in the face = To try very hard but without success, often repeated with frustration.
You can argue until you’re blue in the face, but she won’t change her mind.
17- Once in a blue moon = Something that happens very rarely.
He visits his hometown once in a blue moon, usually during the holidays.
18- Caught red-handed = Caught in the act of doing something wrong or illegal.
The thief was caught red-handed trying to break into the store.
19- Black and white = In a way that is very clear, straightforward, and without any room for confusion.
The rules are written in black and white, there’s no room for interpretation.
Next English Idiom Lesson
In our next English idiom lesson, we cover below:
Related Idioms
Here is the list of idioms related to this lesson.
Idiom Part 2 Outline
If you wish to explore all lessons that are covered in HiCafe Idiom Part 2, you can visit the Essential and Popular English idioms- Part 2 page.
English Fluency Resources
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