get a black eye

get a black eye

1. To have literal discoloration in the area surrounding the eye(s) due to an accumulation of blood. He got a pretty bad black eye after the bully punched him in the face. I heard Clarissa's wearing sunglasses because she's got a black eye.
2. By extension, to receive a blemish to one's reputation. My restaurant really got a black eye after that food critic published her negative review. The company got a few black eyes during this period, when every venture they undertook seemed to backfire on them.
See also: black, eye, get
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • a black eye
  • black eye
  • coon eye(s)
  • look (one) in the eye(s)
  • look somebody in the eye/face
  • look someone in the eye
  • see eye to eye
  • see eye to eye, to
  • have (one's)/an eye out for (someone or something)
  • see eye to eye with (someone)