black belt
Definition
- Noun:
- A black sash worn to show expert standards in the martial arts (judo or karate): A piece of cloth, typically worn around the waist, that signifies the wearer has achieved a high level of proficiency.
- A person who attained the rank of expert in the martial arts (judo or karate): An individual who has earned the highest standard grade, symbolized by the black sash.
Usage Examples
- Noun (Sash):
- After years of training, she finally tied the black belt around her gi.
- The black belt is a symbol of dedication and skill in karate.
- Noun (Person):
- Our instructor is a black belt in judo with over twenty years of experience.
- He became a black belt at the age of sixteen.
Advanced Usage
- "to hold a black belt": To have earned and possess the rank of expert.
- She holds a black belt in two different martial arts.
- "black belt level": Referring to the standard or quality associated with the rank.
- His discipline is at a black belt level.
Variants and Related Words
- Black-belt (adjective, often hyphenated): Pertaining to the rank or standard of a black belt.
- She is a black-belt instructor. (This is a compound adjective, not the target noun itself.)
- Dan rank: In some martial arts like judo, the advanced degrees beyond the first black belt are called "dan" ranks.
Synonyms
- Expert: A person with comprehensive knowledge or skill.
- Master: A person highly skilled in a particular art. (Note: "Master" is sometimes a specific, higher rank than a first-degree black belt.)
Related Phrases
- Earn one's black belt: To achieve the rank through testing and demonstration of skill.
- It took him a decade to earn his black belt.
- Black belt test / grading: The examination to achieve the rank.
- She is preparing for her black belt test next month.
Related Idioms
- A black belt in [something]: Used figuratively to denote a very high level of skill in a non-martial arts field.
- With his negotiation skills, he's a black belt in diplomacy.
Noun
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a black sash worn to show expert standards in the martial arts (judo or karate)
-
a person who attained the rank of expert in the martial arts (judo or karate)
