black book
a book of names of people liable to censure or punishment.
Idioms about black book
in someone's black books, in disfavor with someone.
Origin of black book
1Words Nearby black book
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use black book in a sentence
As for Carice, she has always been in the forefront of our minds, ever since we saw black book five years ago.
She is nominated for Independent Spirit awards, celebrated in non-supermarket magazines like Interview and black book.
Sofia Coppola's Somewhere: Boring Rich People in Hotels | Richard Rushfield | December 23, 2010 | THE DAILY BEASTHe has written for New York, The Advocate, Out, black book, and Highlights for Children.
He has written for New York, The Advocate, Out, black book and Highlights for Children.
Louis went down to the telephones, used one after consulting a little black book.
Mr. Demise took it in his left hand and Reggie deftly plucked the black book from his right hand.
Death Makes A Mistake | P.F. CostelloHe drew from his inside coat pocket a slim black book which he opened to the first page.
Death Makes A Mistake | P.F. CostelloPippin took the fat black book from the little light-stand beside the bed.
Pippin; A Wandering Flame | Laura E. RichardsThe black book of Hamilton makes mention of great vassalage done at that time by the Governor and the French.
British Dictionary definitions for black book
a book containing the names of people to be punished, blacklisted, etc
in someone's black books informal out of favour with someone
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Other Idioms and Phrases with black book
A list of persons or things out of favor, as in Tom's in my black book these days. This usage dates from the 14th century and in time became more ominous. In 1536 the agents of King Henry VIII wrote in a black book the names of those to be censured or punished, specifically “sinful” English monasteries (whose lands Henry wanted to acquire). Today being in someone's black book still signifies being in trouble, at least with that person. Also see black list.
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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