black out

Meaning: To lose consciousness temporarily.

Example: “It was so hot on the parade ground that one of the cadets blacked out.”

Origin: A blackout means a period of unconsciousness. The expression is also used when the electricity goes out in a city. As a noun, blackout is one word.

More English idioms

born yesterday Naive.
the bottom line The net result; the essential point or undeniable truth.
bottom of the barrel The least able member of a group; the least desirable items from a collection.
bottoms up! A call to drink; to empty one's glass.
box someone in To trap someone, physically or in a situation, leaving no room to maneuver.
bring the house down To be a great success.

Explore another collection: False Friends

Words that look familiar in another language but mean something else entirely.

Fame Actually means 'hunger'. Ho fame = I'm hungry. For fame (renown), say fama.
Vaso Actually means 'a drinking glass'. A vase (for flowers) is un jarrón or florero.
Pasta Actually means 'folder' or 'briefcase'. Pasta (the food) is massa.

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More English idioms

Explore another collection: False Friends