black eye

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.

black eye

noun

1. bruising round the eye

Word History and Origins

Origin of black eye¹

First recorded in 1595–1605

Idioms and Phrases

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]

Example Sentences

Four hungry black eyes blink up at us.

Read more on Literature

Behind the windburn, Edward Ashton’s cheeks were bone white, and his black eyes glittered with fever.

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The Berlin Wall was becoming a real black eye.

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Losing Sheridan could be a black eye for Ellison, who took the helm of Paramount in August and is spending heavily on deals to revive the struggling company.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It is an area hard to police, but coaches, school administrators, fellow players and even fans must all be vigilant if sports is to survive this massive black eye.

Read more on Los Angeles Times