black eye

American  

noun

1. discoloration of the skin around the eye, resulting from a blow, bruise, etc.

2. a mark of shame, dishonor, etc..

   These slums are a black eye to our town.

3. damaged reputation.

   Your behavior will give the family a black eye.

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black eye British  

noun

1. bruising round the eye

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black eye Idioms  

1. A mark of shame, a humiliating setback, as in That there are enough homeless folks to need another shelter is a black eye for the administration. This metaphor alludes to having discolored flesh around the eye resulting from a blow. The term is also used literally, as in The mugger not only took Bill's wallet but gave him a black eye. [Late 1800s]

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Etymology

Origin of black eye

First recorded in 1595–1605

Example Sentences

The problem is a black eye for Hyundai as it ramps up sales of the redesigned Palisade, one of its most popular models.

From The Wall Street Journal

“I’m not looking to change the face of rock and roll,” Garcia said, “but maybe we’ll put a couple stitches in, give it a black eye, so to speak.”

From Los Angeles Times

He glanced at me out of his small black eyes to see if I was listening.

From Literature

He pressed himself against me, his big black eyes looking sadly at Mr Jansen.

From Literature

Her red hair was piled haphazardly on top of her head, and she was sporting an impressive black eye from our combat training that day.

From Literature