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Black Ball Someone
Black Ball Someone
Black Ball Someone : Phrases
Meaning:
A person who is not acceptable, usually as a member of a group or club.
Example:
If you do not pay commission to the director of the committee, he will black ball you.
Origin:
The expression is derived from 18th century clubs. New applications for membership were examined by the ruling committee - secret votes were then cast by putting balls into a container. Red balls meant acceptance and black ones rejection. It only needed one black ball for the application to fail.