black eye— 1. a darkening of the skin about the eye resulting from a bruise: I thought they’d have a row. Hadn’t Michael a black eye? 2. a severe blow or rebuff: I hope the Pension Committee will give a black eye to every bill of that kind. blackeye—a sprawling herb (Vigua sinensis) cultivated for […]
Category: Confusing Phrases
Difference between Black-collar workers adn White-collar workers
black-collar workers— 1. miners (especially coal miners) and oil workers: He began performing in the smoky gin mills that catered to black-collar workers who liked their booze and blues straight. 2. (sl.) people engaged in media industries (artists, graphic designers, video producers, etc.): Black-collar workers, for those of you that aren’t cool enough to know, […]
Difference between Black cap and Black hat
black cap— 1. a warbler: We followed a pleasant path through trees and soon found ourselves listening to the sweet bubbling song of a black cap. 2. (UK hist.) a cap put on by a judge before sentencing a person to death: He acquitted two men and then placed the black cap on his head […]
Difference between Black box and Dark box
black box— 1. a flight recorder in an aircraft: The flight recorder is an indestructible “black box” which automatically records the key functions in the aircraft. 2. any apparatus of unknown internal design: Crime squads are searching for the manufacturer of a black box which contains a device that can reverse electricity meter readings. 3. […]