get a black eye v. phr. 1. To receive a dark ring around the eye after being hit by someone's fist or an object.
In the fistfight Tom got a black eye from Pete. Sue got a black eye when she ran into a tree. 2. To have one's character denigrated.
Our firm received a black eye because of all the consumer complaints that were lodged against our product. [TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲