"black look" instead of "white look"

VL · Thu Jan 13, 2005 10:09 am *"black look" instead of "white look"*

Test No. incompl/inter-2 "Like a red rag", question 10

I know he doesn't like you because the moment you came in the room I saw him give you a ......... look.

(a) red
(b) blue
(c) white
(d) black

Test No. incompl/inter-2 "Like a red rag", answer 10

I know he doesn't like you because the moment you came in the room I saw him give you a black look.

Correct answer: (d) black

Your answer was: incorrect
I know he doesn't like you because the moment you came in the room I saw him give you a white look.
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Dear esl teacher.

Why it is black look instead of white look? What does it mean?

Thanks.
VL

Alan · Thu Jan 13, 2005 11:21 am *A black look*

This means an unpleasant/unfriendly look or expression. You have this expression on your facew when you meet someone you don't like or don't approve of.
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ananaya · Mon Apr 25, 2005 9:20 am *Black look*

what does black signifies?

Alan · Mon Apr 25, 2005 11:21 am *Black*

Here black indicates threatening/disapproving/sinister.
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Deborah · Thu Aug 25, 2005 23:52 pm *A black look*

Mister Micawber · Fri Aug 26, 2005 1:37 am *"black look" instead of "white look"*

.
If you are taking a language proficiency test or writing an essay, be sure to use into with verbs of movement. In general conversation and informal writing, however, many native speakers use in.
.
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souad · Mon Jul 07, 2008 23:07 pm *"black look" instead of "white look"*

Dear Mr, Alan,
I noticed that red, black and white are mostly used to express most of feelings. Is it right?

Torsten · Mon Jul 07, 2008 23:11 pm *"black look" instead of "white look"*

Hi Souad,

Yes these colours are used to express a lot of feelings. In addition, you might want to read Alan's story on idioms with colours to learn more. For example, you can be green with envy or you can be in the pink.

Let me know what you think.
Thanks,
Torsten
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souad · Sat Aug 16, 2008 23:16 pm *"black look" instead of "white look"*

Hi Torsten,
How are you ? Sorry for being so late in answering you . I read Alan 's story and I really apreciate that big use of idioms . Yes , Torsten .. I need that level of english . It's english in the social context , since I'm away from the real atmosphere of this language.
Well, I noticed generally that the use of the "WHITE" deals with happy fair feelings , the "RED" for the anger and danger , the "BLUE" for madness and depression ...etc . I believe it's vast .
I think also the use of such idioms reflects the culture of the speaker himself. Example ,in Arabic we say " BLUE" to someone who is inexperienced and , as mentioned in Mr Alan's story, "GREEN" is inexperienced.
However, english may be the master in such idioms , I think.
Yours,
Souad.
.

MrPedantic · Sun Aug 17, 2008 0:41 am *"black look" instead of "white look"*

Sometimes an angry look is described as "black as thunder". That may give an indication of the origin of "black look".

MrP

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