Black and blue

Meaning

The idiom "black and blue" refers to a person who is bruised or beaten badly, often due to physical abuse or injury. It can also be used figuratively to describe someone who has gone through a difficult or unpleasant experience.

Usage

• After the fight, John was black and blue all over his body.
• She had been working long hours for weeks and was feeling black and blue.
• The company's financial situation was in such bad shape that they had to let go of many employees, leaving them feeling black and blue.
• When he found out about the surprise party, John was thrilled and felt as happy as a clam.
• The customer service was terrible, leaving her feeling black and blue about the whole experience.

Roots and History

The idiom "black and blue" dates back to at least the 18th century, with early uses appearing in literature and poetry. It's believed to have originated from the color of bruises or injuries that turn into large patches of black and blue on the skin. Over time, the phrase has taken on a figurative meaning to describe someone who is feeling down or upset.

Synonyms in English

• Beaten up
• Bruised
• Battered
• Roughly handled
• Mistreated

Synonyms in other languages

• French: Maltrechié
• Spanish: Maltratado
• Italian: Maltrattato
• German: Misshandelt
• Russian: Побеждённый

Similar Idioms

• brain drain

• beau monde

• show true colors