black and white
The term 'black and white' is versatile, used to describe colors, clear distinctions, police vehicles, and even a type of cookie.
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Definition
B2General
(idiomatic)Describing a situation or issue that is straightforward and unambiguous, often reducing it to two opposing perspectives.
Example
- The rules are black and white; there's no room for interpretation.
- She tends to see things in black and white, without considering the complexities.
B1Visual Arts
(technical)Relating to images or films that use only shades of black, white, and gray.
Example
- The old movie was filmed in black and white.
- Black and white photography can be very striking.
B2Law Enforcement
(slang, US)A police patrol car.
Example
- The black and white pulled up to the scene of the crime.
B2Law Enforcement
(slang, US)The police or a police officer.
Example
- Watch out, the black and whites are patrolling the area.
B1Culinary
(US)A type of large cookie with half dark chocolate icing and half white icing.
Example
- I bought a delicious black and white from the bakery.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "black and white":
in black and whiteblack and blueblack and tanblack-and-white televisionblack upbody in blackblack goldin the blackman in black