| Idiom | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Black money | 1. Money that is earned through illegal means and not reported to tax authorities. 2. Compensation for workers dealing with hazardous or unpleasant jobs. | The government launched a campaign to trace black money hidden in foreign accounts. |
| White money | Historically, refers to legally earned money or standard currency, often used in contrast to black money. | The organization only accepts white money donations to ensure transparency in their funding. |
| Black Republic | A term referring to Haiti, which was the first country established by formerly enslaved people. | The Black Republic stands as a symbol of resilience and independence against colonial rule. |
| Black Republicans | Historical term for those in the Republican Party who opposed slavery leading up to the Civil War. | The Black Republicans played a crucial role in shaping anti-slavery legislation in the 19th century. |
| Black sheep | A person who is different from the rest of their group, often viewed as a disgrace or outcast. | In his family of doctors, he was considered the black sheep for pursuing a career in art. |
| Black swan | A rare event or phenomenon that is unexpected and has significant consequences. | The sudden economic downturn was a black swan event that caught many investors off guard. |
| Blank check | The authority or freedom to make decisions and take actions without constraints. | After the successful project, the manager received a blank check to explore new opportunities. |
| Blank sheet | 1. A fresh start where past mistakes are set aside. 2. A metaphor for the mind of a newborn, free from preconceptions. | After the merger, the company decided to approach the new market with a blank sheet. |
| Blind auction | An auction format where bidders submit sealed bids, and the highest bidder wins without knowing others’ offers. | The charity held a blind auction to ensure that bids remained confidential until the event’s conclusion. |
| Blind bidding | Bidding for something without seeing it beforehand, often used in real estate or entertainment contracts. | The theater owners were frustrated with the blind bidding process for movies they hadn’t previewed. |
| Blind Freddy | An informal term referring to someone perceived as not very intelligent or aware of obvious situations. | Even Blind Freddy could tell that the project was doomed from the start. |
| Blind Tom | Refers to a specific historical figure, an African American musical prodigy who was born blind and autistic. | Blind Tom was celebrated for his incredible piano performances, despite his disabilities. |
| Blind to the world | Describes someone who is very drunk or oblivious to their surroundings. | After a night out, he was completely blind to the world and didn’t remember how he got home. |
| Dead to the world | 1. Deeply asleep or unconscious. 2. Unaware of current events or not interested in them. | After the long hike, she was dead to the world as soon as her head hit the pillow. |
| Idiom | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Block operator | A railway employee responsible for managing signal systems to ensure train safety and proper scheduling. | The block operator quickly alerted the dispatcher about a train approaching the station. |
| Block worker | An individual who engages in grassroots political efforts at the local community level, often in a specific area. | As a dedicated block worker, she mobilised residents to discuss community issues and solutions. |
| Blood bath | A term used to describe a violent and brutal situation, often involving extensive loss of life. | The documentary explored the blood bath that occurred during the civil war, highlighting its lasting effects. |
| Blood-tub | A colloquial term for a theatre that features exaggerated and sensational drama, typically in a comedic way. | The local production was so over-the-top that it felt more like a blood-tub than a serious play. |
| Bloody Maria | A cocktail made by mixing tequila with tomato juice, often seasoned with various spices and garnishes. | After a long night, I decided to treat myself to a refreshing Bloody Maria at the bar. |
| Bloody Mary | A popular cocktail made with vodka and tomato juice, commonly garnished with celery and spices. | She ordered a Bloody Mary, hoping it would help ease her hangover from the previous night. |
| Blow great guns | A phrase describing strong winds or severe weather conditions, often used to convey intensity. | The storm caused the trees to sway as the wind blew great guns throughout the night. |
| Go great guns | To progress or perform exceptionally well or at a fast pace; often used to describe successful endeavours. | With the new marketing strategy, the company is going great guns this quarter. |
| Blow hot and cold | To frequently change one’s opinions or feelings about a subject or person, creating inconsistency. | I find it hard to trust him since he tends to blow hot and cold on important decisions. |
| Go hot and cold | To experience sudden and intense feelings of fear or anxiety about a situation. | As the exam approached, I would go hot and cold, worrying about whether I was prepared enough. |
| Blow it | To squander an opportunity or make a mistake; can also be an exclamation of frustration. | He was so close to getting the promotion, but he ended up blowing it by missing the interview. |
| Blow me | An expression of surprise or disbelief; can also be used in a vulgar context as an insult. | “Blow me! I can’t believe you managed to finish that project so quickly!” |
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