student asking question

Is “I am a black belt” a general expression? I'd say “I have a black belt” or “ I’m in a black belt (rank)”, but does it make sense?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

Sometimes native English speakers say "I am a black belt in (something)" to make a joke. Usually what they are saying they are a "black belt" in is a simple task or skill, so it sounds ridiculous to say they're a "black belt" in it as though there is a ranking system for that skill. Without the purpose of making a joke, "I am a black belt in" is not a general expression. Ex: I am a black belt in sleeping in, I've slept in every day this week. Ex: I got a lot of laundry done today, I must be a black belt in doing laundry.

Popular Q&As

03/28

Complete the expression with a quiz!