What does “Black-and-Blue” mean?
"Black-and-Blue" means that someone or something is covered in bruises.
What context can I use the in?
Example
After the fight, his face was black-and-blue.
Example
She fell down the stairs and ended up black-and-blue all over.
Example
The boxer's body was black-and-blue from the intense training
Is “Black-and-Blue” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Black-and-Blue” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Black-and-Blue” effectively in context?
You can use "Black-and-Blue" to describe someone or something that is covered in bruises. It emphasizes the physical appearance of bruises and can be used in various situations. For example, if a friend gets into a fight and their face is bruised, you might say, 'After the fight, his face was black-and-blue.'
- 1Physical Injury
She fell down the stairs and ended up black-and-blue all over.
- 2Sports
The boxer's body was black-and-blue from the intense training.
- 3Accidents
After the car crash, her legs were black-and-blue from the impact.
Similar phrases to “Black-and-Blue”:
Battered and bruised
Physically injured and covered in bruises
Example
After the accident, he was battered and bruised.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Black-and-Blue” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Black-and-Blue" is unknown.
Is “Black-and-Blue” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Black-and-Blue" is a common expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe physical injuries and the appearance of bruises.
What tone does “Black-and-Blue” have?
"Black-and-Blue" conveys a tone of describing physical harm or injury. It is often used to emphasize the severity of bruises or the extent of physical damage.
Can “Black-and-Blue” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Black-and-Blue" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that describes a physical condition. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as medical discussions or written reports.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to describe the appearance of bruises. For example, 'After the accident, her body was black-and-blue.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I fell down the stairs and now I'm "black-and-blue"!' to imply being covered in bruises.
