blot (redirected from blotted copybook)

blot someone or something out

Fig. to forget someone or something by covering up memories or by trying to forget. I try to blot those bad thoughts out. I tried to blot out those unhappy days.

See also: out

blot someone out

Sl. to kill someone. (Originally underworld slang.) Sorry, chum, we got orders to blot you out. The gang blotted out the only living witness before the trial.

See also: out

blot something out

to make something invisible by covering it. (See also blot someone or something out.) Don't blot the name out on the application form. Who blotted out the name on this form?

See also: out

blot on the landscape

Fig. a sight that spoils the look of a place. That monstrosity you call a house is a blot on the landscape. You should have hired a real architect!

See also: landscape

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a blot on the landscape

something which looks unpleasant and spoils a pleasant view That new chemical factory is a real blot on the landscape.

See also: landscape

blot your copybook  (British & Australian)

to do something which spoils someone's opinion of you She blotted her copybook by arriving late to a meeting.

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blot out something also blot something out

to make something stop upsetting you I twist the pillow over my head to blot out the horrible sounds. She closed her eyes, trying to blot out the memory of the day's events.

Related vocabulary: block out something

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of blot (to cover something with drops of ink)

See also: out