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*** a list of persons who are disapproved of or are to be punished or boycotted
a list with contact information of people whom one secretly communicates with
Idiom
InformalWhat is the origin of the idiom "black book" and when to use it?
The idiom "black book" originated from the practice of maintaining a personal record or ledger, traditionally bound in black covers, in which individuals would note down the names and contact information of people they wished to keep private or secret communications with. Over time, the phrase "black book" has come to symbolize a list of individuals with whom someone maintains hidden or discreet connections, often implying secretive or illicit activities.
*** having fallen out of favor with someone.
