raven

Related to raven: Common Raven

(as) black as a raven

1. dated Completely black; totally without light or color. The basement gives me the creeps, it's as black as a raven down there!
2. dated Of a thoroughly evil, mean-spirited, or ungenerous mindset or disposition. She narrowed her eyes, and I could tell her thoughts had turned as black as a raven.
See also: black, raven

(as) black as a raven's feather

1. dated Completely black; totally without light or color. The basement gives me the creeps, it's as black as a raven's feather down there!
2. dated Of a thoroughly evil, mean-spirited, or ungenerous mindset or disposition. She narrowed her eyes, and I could tell her thoughts had turned as black as a raven's feather.
See also: black, feather

(as) black as a raven's wing

1. dated Completely black; totally without light or color. The basement gives me the creeps, it's as black as a raven's wing down there!
2. dated Of a thoroughly evil, mean-spirited, or ungenerous mindset or disposition. She narrowed her eyes, and I could tell her thoughts had turned as black as a raven's wing.
See also: black, wing
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • (as) black as a raven
  • (as) black as the devil
  • (as) black as a raven's wing
  • (as) black as the minister's coat
  • minister
  • (as) black as a raven's feather
  • ink
  • (as) black as ink
  • (as) black as (one's) hat
  • (as) black as a stack of black cats
References in classic literature
"Yes, they creaked," said the Raven. "And on he went boldly up to the Princess, who was sitting on a pearl as large as a spinning-wheel.
"Were I not a Raven, I should have taken the Princess myself, although I am promised.
"That is very easily said," answered the Raven. "But how are we to manage it?
"Wait for me here on these steps," said the Raven.He moved his head backwards and forwards and flew away.
The evening was closing in when the Raven returned.
And they went into the garden in the large avenue, where one leaf was falling after the other; and when the lights in the palace had all gradually disappeared, the Raven led little Gerda to the back door, which stood half open.
A single lamp was burning there; and on the floor stood the tame Raven, turning her head on every side and looking at Gerda, who bowed as her grandmother had taught her to do.
"My intended has told me so much good of you, my dear young lady," said the tame Raven. "Your tale is very affecting.
"They are only dreams," said the Raven. "They come to fetch the thoughts of the high personages to the chase; 'tis well, for now you can observe them in bed all the better.
That's not worth talking about," said the Raven of the woods.
The Raven of the woods, who was now married, accompanied her for the first three miles.
Farewell!" cried Prince and Princess; and Gerda wept, and the Raven wept.
Then little Gerda cried, and told her her whole history, and all that the Ravens had done for her.
They praised the Ravens very much, and told them they were not at all angry with them, but they were not to do so again.
Andersens Fairy Tales
And the raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting On the pallid bust of Pallas just above my chamber door; And his eyes have all the seeming of a demon's that is dreaming, And the lamp-light o'er him streaming throws his shadow on the floor; And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor Shall be lifted -- nevermore!
Poems