Episode 12 - Black Idioms

ESL in Ho Chi Minh City

This podcast will introduce you to common American idioms that use the word "black". In the first half of the podcast we will review the expressions. The second half is a dictation exercise that will test your understanding of these idioms. If you would like a full transcript of this podcast or additional exercises, please write to us at [e-mail] PART I- Idioms a black eye = an eye that is bruised a black spot = a dangerous road or corner where accidents usually happen a black day = an unlucky, sad or miserable day a black book = a list, usually of undesirable, unwanted and sometimes dangerous people a black list = a list, usually of undesirable, unwanted and sometimes dangerous people to blacklist = to be noted as someone to be punished or to be treated cautiously, often noted on a black book or list to be in someone’s black book = to be out of favor with someone a little black book = a list (real or abstract) of one's sexual partners, sometimes with details such as phone numbers a black look = a look of anger, dislike or resentment a black mark = a recorded instance of someone’s misconduct or failure that often has negative consequences (often used as a black mark against somebody’s name or on your record) a black sheep = a person considered to be an outcast or a disgrace to a family or a group (often used as the black sheep of a family) the black market = the place (real or abstract) where illegal business transactions occur. To sell something on the black market means that it is either illegal to sell the item or that it is being sold without the proper legal taxes or penalties. to paint a black picture = to have a pessimistic or negative outlook on a situation to be in the black = to have money or to be earning a profit in black and white = in writing or in print; or to use no color, or is easily understood black and blue = severely bruised or bruised all over Part II- Dictation exercise Johnny was the outcast of his family. He never helped anyone when he had money to spare. He always got into fights and he usually had at least one bruised eye or was covered in bruises. Johnny never settled down and kept ex-girlfriends' phone numbers memorized. He was immediately known as a trouble maker at the local bars. Johnny also appeared in the police's suspect list when he started to break into houses. He would trade the stolen goods illegally. It was an unlucky day for Johnny when he crashed his car at a dangerous intersection near the police station. The traffic cops gave Johnny the usual suspicious look. They searched his car and found some stolen goods; so they arrested him. The next day, Johnny's mugshot appeared in the newspaper and the media vilified him. The judge saw this case as quick and easy and sentenced Johnny to 10 years' hard labor. Johnny will now forever have a strike against his name. THE END