Black and blue is an English idiom meaning to be covered in bruises or to be beaten up.
What are bruises??
These are bruises.
A bruise, also called a contusion, forms because the soft tissues of your body have been bumped. Some people bruise easily, whereas others may have tougher skin tissue.
When these soft tissues are injured, small veins and capillaries (the tiniest blood vessels) under the skin sometimes break. Red blood cells leak out of these blood vessels. These red blood cells that collect under your skin cause that bluish, purplish, reddish, or blackish mark. That's where black-and-blue marks get their name — from their color under the skin.
This is also where this idiom comes from.
Reference: http://kidshealth.org/en/kids/bruise.html
How to use this idiom in daily conversation??
1. Tommy came home black and blue after getting into a fight at the bar.
2. After falling down the stairs, I was black and blue.
3. The bully beat Bobby black and blue.
4. I don't want you to play American football!! You'll be black and blue!!
Have a great day!!
Elaina.C :)
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