Find the correct meaning for the underlined idiom. Choose the appropriate answer from below :-
The thief was beaten black and blue by the people. To beat black and blue means - To beat _________.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → mercilessly
Black and blue means covered with bruises, the dark marks left on the skin by blows. To beat someone black and blue is to beat him severely and mercilessly, so badly that his body is full of bruises. The colours describe the injury, not any belt or whip.
Example: The bully was beaten black and blue by the angry crowd.
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