black ball

A committee member casts a black ball into the voting box.

Definition

1. Noun:

   • A voting object: "black ball" refers to a black ball used to cast a negative vote, especially in a secret ballot system. It traditionally represents opposition or rejection of a candidate or proposal.
   • A game piece: In billiards or pool, "black ball" is the black-colored ball, typically the 8-ball, which is the final ball to be pocketed in certain games.

2. Verb:

   • To reject or exclude: "to black ball" means to vote against someone or something, often resulting in their exclusion from a group or organization. It is typically used in a figurative sense to indicate active opposition.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The committee used a black ball to indicate their disapproval of the new member. (A negative vote in a secret ballot.)
  • He carefully aimed his cue at the black ball to win the game. (The black ball in a pool game.)

• Verb:

  • The club decided to black ball the controversial applicant. (To vote against and exclude someone.)
  • She was black balled from the society after the scandal. (She was formally rejected and excluded.)

Advanced Usage

• "to cast a black ball": to formally vote against someone or something.

  • Several members cast a black ball during the election. (They voted negatively.)

• "to be black balled": to be rejected or excluded through a negative vote.

  • He was black balled by the exclusive club after his application. (He was denied membership.)

Variants and Related Words

• Blackball (n, v): a variant spelling often used as a single word, meaning the same as "black ball."
  • The blackball system ensures secrecy in voting. (The method using black balls.)
• Blackballing (n): the act of rejecting someone through a negative vote.
  • The blackballing of the candidate was unexpected. (The act of voting against.)

Synonyms

• Vote against: to express opposition in a ballot.
• Reject: to refuse to accept or include.
• Ostracize: to exclude from a group or society (often used figuratively).

Phrasal Verbs

• Black ball out: (rare) to exclude someone via a vote.
  • They black balled him out of the organization. (They voted to expel him.)

Related Idioms

• To get the black ball: to be rejected or excluded from a group.
  • He got the black ball from the committee after his poor performance. (He was formally rejected.)
• To throw a black ball: to cast a negative vote.
  • She threw a black ball against the proposal. (She voted against it.)