Black and Blue

Meaning of Idiom ‘Black and Blue’

To be black and blue means to be badly bruised and discolored. ¹,²

Usage

This idiom is used as an adjective. For example, one might say, “I tripped on the stairs and now I’m black and blue all over.” This example marks an instance where this idiom is an exaggeration. Or, one might say, “There’s a big black and blue mark on my leg but I have no idea how it got there.” Both examples describe bruising on the skin.

Examples Of Use

“After I fell off my bike I was black and blue for a week.”

“How did you get that black and blue spot on your shoulder?”

“Are you OK?” asked Amanda. “I saw you fall on the ice.” “I’m sure I’ll be black and blue tomorrow but I’m OK,” said Jack.

Origin

This idiom describing bruises on the skin, which can be several colors as they heel, has been used since around 1300. ³

More Idioms Starting with B

• Be in Someone’s Hair
• Beat a Dead Horse
• Be a 10, to
• Buck For Something
• Bottomless Pit

More Black Idioms

• In the Black
• Pot Calling the Kettle Black
• Black Out
• Pitch Dark
• Give Someone A Black Eye

More Blue Idioms

• Baby Blues
• Out of the Blue
• Once in a Blue Moon
• Talk A Blue Streak
• Blue Blood

More Color Related Idioms

• In The Pink
• White as a Ghost
• Lily White
• In the Black
• In the Red

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References

1. Ammer, Christine.  American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013.
2. Jarvie, Gordon. Bloomsbury Dictionary of Idioms]. London: Bloomsbury, 2009.
3. Ammer, Christine.  American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013.