oxford blue

oxford blue

A student wears an oxford blue sweater to class.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A shade of dark blue: "oxford blue" refers to a deep, dark blue colour, often associated with the University of Oxford.
    • A person representing Oxford: In sports contexts, "oxford blue" denotes a person who has been awarded a blue (a colour representing the university) for representing Oxford University in a sport, typically against Cambridge University.
Usage Examples

  • Noun (colour):

    • The team's new kit is a striking oxford blue. (The uniform is a deep dark blue.)
    • She painted her study in oxford blue to create a calm atmosphere. (She used the specific dark blue shade.)

  • Noun (person):

    • He is an oxford blue in rowing, having competed in the Boat Race. (He is a sports representative for Oxford University.)
    • Only a few athletes earn the title of oxford blue each year. (They are awarded the honour of representing Oxford.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to wear oxford blue": to be awarded or display the colour associated with Oxford University representation.

    • After winning the match, she will wear oxford blue at the ceremony. (She will officially represent Oxford.)

  • "oxford blue and cambridge blue": The two colours used to distinguish teams from Oxford and Cambridge Universities in varsity competitions.

    • The rivalry between oxford blue and cambridge blue is legendary. (The colours symbolise the two universities' competition.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Blue (n): a colour; also, a sporting award at Oxford or Cambridge.

    • He earned his blue in rugby. (He received the award for representing the university.)

  • Dark blue (n): a synonym for oxford blue as a colour.

    • The flag was dark blue, almost black. (It was a very deep blue.)
Synonyms
  • Dark blue: a shade of blue that is deep and intense.
  • Navy blue: a very dark blue, similar but not identical to oxford blue.
  • University blue: the specific blue colour used by a university (often Oxford).
Related Idioms
  • True blue: loyal and steadfast (not directly related to oxford blue, but shares the word "blue").
    • She is a true blue supporter of Oxford. (She is loyal and faithful.)

Note: The term "oxford blue" is primarily a proper noun and does not have phrasal verbs or common idioms of its own. It is used in specific contexts related to colour and university sports representation.