Black and white
adjective
Clear and simple, no possibility of misunderstanding.
Your duties are set out in black and white in the employee handbook.
Usage tips
Colloquial
adjective
Involving or presented as only good and evil, or right and wrong, without any shades of grey.
He insisted on seeing everything in black and white.
Usage tips
Disapproving
adjective
A photograph or film in black, white, and shades of grey, rather than in colour.
He showed us an old black and white movie.
adjective
A simple drawing made with black ink on white paper.
The black and white sketch was quite beautiful.
adjective
Only involving people who are black or white, not people of other races.
It was a black and white community, with few other races present.
Usage tips
Neutral
adjective
Clear and simple, no possibility of misunderstanding.
Your duties are set out in black and white in the employee handbook.
Usage tips
Colloquial
adjective
Involving or presented as only good and evil, or right and wrong, without any shades of grey.
He insisted on seeing everything in black and white.
Usage tips
Disapproving
adjective
A photograph or film in black, white, and shades of grey, rather than in colour.
He showed us an old black and white movie.
adjective
A simple drawing made with black ink on white paper.
The black and white sketch was quite beautiful.
adjective
Only involving people who are black or white, not people of other races.
It was a black and white community, with few other races present.
Usage tips
Neutral
Definition 1 of 5
Pro Tip 1/2Written Clarity
Used when rules or agreements are specifically documented, leaving no room for confusion.
As per the contract, our agreement is in black and white.
Pro Tip 2/2No Ambiguity
Emphasizes the importance of having clear, direct communication.
I need the instructions in black and white, without any vague parts.
Pro Tip 1/2Written Clarity
Used when rules or agreements are specifically documented, leaving no room for confusion.
As per the contract, our agreement is in black and white.
Pro Tip 2/2No Ambiguity
Emphasizes the importance of having clear, direct communication.
I need the instructions in black and white, without any vague parts.
Pro Tip 1/2Written Clarity
Used when rules or agreements are specifically documented, leaving no room for confusion.
As per the contract, our agreement is in black and white.
Pro Tip 2/2No Ambiguity
Emphasizes the importance of having clear, direct communication.
I need the instructions in black and white, without any vague parts.
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