In writing, especially an agreement, contract, or other formal document. It's there in black and white that employees caught taking office supplies will be fired immediately.Please send me an email summarizing this conversation, so I have it all in black and white should the issue come up in the future.They promised to give me a raise when the project is complete, but I won't believe it until it's in black and white.
Fig. [of an agreement, contract, or statement] official, in writing or printing. (*Typically: be ~; get something ~.) I have it in black and white that I'm entitled to three weeks of vacation each year.
1. If someone judges or shows a complex issue or situation in black and white, they judge or show it as if it is obvious what is morally right and wrong. Nowadays, people do not see these things purely in black and white.She is still a champion of oversimplification, seeing issues in black and white. Note: You can also talk about a black and white situation, issue or judgment. People think this is a very straightforward black and white issue and it just isn't.This case is not as black and white as the media have said. Note: These expressions are usually used to criticize people who judge or show complex subjects and situations in a very simple way.
2. If you say that something is in black and white, you mean that you have written proof of it. You know, we've seen it. It's written right here in black and white.We have a strict, clear rule in black and white, that this sort of behaviour will not be tolerated.
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