black and white
[noun]
Synonyms: print, writing

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

ˌblack and ˈwhite adjective

1. showing pictures or images only in black, white, and grey ⇒ colour:
black and white photos
an old black and white TV

2. black and white considering things in a way that is too simple and as if things are either completely good or completely bad:
There’s still a tendency to see the issues in black and white.

3. in black and white in written form, and therefore definite:
Once it’s down in black and white, you can’t forget it.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

black and white
a very clear choice that causes no confusion.
When you're flying a plane, it's black and white — you can't be wrong, you've got to be right.

Etymology: based on the clear difference between the colors

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

black and white
either good or bad, either one way or the other way but not in between
Our boss sees everything in black and white although he knows this is impossible.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

black and white
n. phr.
1. Print or writing; words on paper, not spoken; exact written or printed form.
He insisted on having the agreement down in black and white.
Mrs. Jones would not believe the news, so Mr. Jones showed her the article in the newspaper and said, "There it is in black and white."
2. The different shades of black and white of a simple picture, rather than other colors.
He showed us snapshots in black and white.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

black and white
adj. Divided into only two sides that are either right or wrong or good or bad, with nothing in between; thinking or judging everything as either good or bad.
Everything is black-and-white to Bill; if you're not his friend, you are his enemy.
The old man's religion shows his black-and-white thinking; everything is either completely good or completely bad.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲