Colour Idioms

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white paper

Meaning: official report or guide

Example: The government will be issuing a white paper later this week. Read more ➺


red tape

Meaning: over excessive or time-consuming rules and bureaucracy that hinder progress

Example: She could have finished the project last week, but it was impossible to cut through all the red tape. Read more ➺


in the red

Meaning: more money going out than coming in

Example: If your bank account goes in the red, the bank will charge you for every transaction. Read more ➺


white elephant

Meaning: an expensive item with no use or purpose

Example: Everyone thought the Olympic stadiums would be a white elephant after the closing ceremony. Read more ➺


black mood

Meaning: to be angry, irritable or in a temper

Example: Geoff was in one of his black moods today, and no amount of cajoling could snap him out of it. Read more ➺


red-handed

Meaning: doing or about to do something illegal or wrong

Example: They caught him red-handed with his fingerprints all over the murder weapon. Read more ➺


brown study

Meaning: melancholy mood accompanied by deep thought

Example: I realised that Sandra wasn't concentrating on what the boss was saying and had disappeared into a brown study. Read more ➺


outside the lines

Meaning: not sticking to the rules

Example: I never thought they would be allowed to do their duties outside the lines. Read more ➺


white lie

Meaning: a harmless lie

Example: Telling your friend that you like their new haircut, when you really don't, is an example of a white lie. Read more ➺


green with envy

Meaning: extremely jealous of another person.

Example: Sally was green with envy when he saw my brand new car. Read more ➺


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