look black
Appear threatening or unfavorable, as in The future looked black for Henry after he dropped out of school. This expression employs black in the sense of “boding ill,” a usage dating from about 1700. Also see under dirty look.
Words Nearby look black
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
How to use look black in a sentence
It began to look black for the friend, but the man for a while had a clear character and was getting in good spirits.
The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson, Volume XXI | Robert Louis StevensonThe ferrule will look black when this happens and will thus be recognized.
Elements of Plumbing | Samuel DibbleWho else are you thinking of, when you say things look black against others than Sidney?
Mrs. Vanderstein's jewels | Mrs. Charles BryceThe clouds look black and threatening, and I keep my mind in a state to meet the worst.
The Deerslayer | James Fenimore CooperWe should see the roofs and chimneys of the village, and the great Chantrey elms look black against the sky.
Deephaven and Selected Stories & Sketches | Sarah Orne Jewett
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