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Phrase(s): a black eye
1. Lit. a bruise near the eye from being struck. (*Typically have ~; get ~; give someone ~.) • I got a black eye from walking into a door. • I have a black eye where John hit me. 2. Fig. harm done to one’s character. (*Typically have ~; get ~; give someone ~.) • Mary got a black eye because of her constant complaining. • The whole group now has a black eye, and it will take years to recover our reputation.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
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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]
American Heritage Idioms