Black Ball Someone




Previous Page

Black Ball Someone : Phrases



Meaning:

A person who is not acceptable, usually as a member of a group or club.


Example:

If you do not pay commission to the director of the committee, he will black ball you.


Origin:

The expression is derived from 18th century clubs. New applications for membership were examined by the ruling committee - secret votes were then cast by putting balls into a container. Red balls meant acceptance and black ones rejection. It only needed one black ball for the application to fail.

Phrases Index



From Black Ball Someone to HOME PAGE






{ezoic-ad-1}
 
 
{ez_footer_ads}