I share 20 idioms related to the color white, providing clear meanings and examples for each. These idioms are divided into four categories: best idioms for white, funny idioms for white, idioms for black people, and idioms for white and black.
Each idiom is explained with concise definitions and illustrative sentences, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of how these expressions are used in everyday language. From “white elephant” to “whiter than white,” these idioms highlight the versatility and richness of the English language.
list of 20 idioms for white color
- White Elephant
- White Lie
- White Flag
- White as Snow
- Pearly Whites
- White Knight
- Whitewash
- Whiter Than White
- White as a Ghost
- White Bread
- White-Collar Crime
- White Knuckle Ride
- In the Black
- Black Sheep
- Pot Calling the Kettle Black
- Black and Blue
- Black and White
- White Gold
- Blue and White
- White Dad
Best Idioms for White
1. White Elephant
Meaning: Useless but costly item.
Example: The mansion was a white elephant, rarely used but expensive to maintain.
2. White Lie
Meaning: Harmless untruth.
Example: I told a white lie to avoid hurting her feelings.
3. White Flag
Meaning: Surrender.
Example: They raised the white flag to end the conflict.
4. White as Snow
Meaning: Very pure or clean.
Example: Her dress was white as snow, spotless and elegant.
5. Pearly Whites
Meaning: Teeth.
Example: She flashed her pearly whites in a broad smile.
6. White Knight
Meaning: Heroic rescuer.
Example: He acted like a white knight, saving the day.
7. Whitewash
Meaning: Cover up faults.
Example: The company tried to whitewash the scandal.
8. Whiter Than White
Meaning: Completely pure.
Example: Her intentions were whiter than white, with no malice.
Funny Idioms for White
1. White as a Ghost
Meaning: Extremely pale.
Example: He turned white as a ghost after hearing the news.
2. White Bread
Meaning: Plain, ordinary.
Example: His tastes are so white bread, he only likes basic things.
3. White-Collar Crime
Meaning: Non-violent corporate crime.
Example: The executive was arrested for white-collar crime.
4. White Knuckle Ride
Meaning: Scary experience.
Example: The roller coaster was a white knuckle ride, thrilling and terrifying.
Idioms for Black People
1. In the Black
Meaning: Financially positive.
Example: After years of debt, the company is finally in the black.
2. Black Sheep
Meaning: Family outcast.
Example: He’s the black sheep, always causing trouble.
3. Pot Calling the Kettle Black
Meaning: Hypocritical accusation.
Example: His criticism was a case of the pot calling the kettle black.
4. Black and Blue
Meaning: Bruised.
Example: He was black and blue after the accident, covered in bruises.
Idioms for White and Black
1. Black and White
Meaning: Clear and simple.
Example: The rules are black and white, easy to understand.
2. White Gold
Meaning: Highly valued.
Example: Salt was considered white gold in ancient times.
3. Blue and White
Meaning: Traditional or classic.
Example: The blue and white porcelain was exquisite.
4. White Dad
Meaning: Outdated phrase indicating simple or traditional.
Example: His jokes were like white dad humor, classic and corny.
What are some common idioms involving the color white?
Common idioms involving the color white include “white elephant,” “white lie,” “white flag,” and “white as snow.” These idioms convey various meanings such as something costly yet useless, a harmless lie, surrender, and purity.
Why are idioms like “white knight” important in English?
Idioms like “white knight” are important because they enrich the language by adding figurative meaning. “White knight” refers to a heroic rescuer, providing a vivid image that enhances storytelling and communication.
How can learning idioms improve my English skills?
Learning idioms can improve your English skills by expanding your vocabulary and understanding of figurative language. Idioms like “black sheep” and “pearly whites” make your speech more engaging and help you connect with native speakers more effectively.
