Black ice refers to a thin layer of transparent ice that forms on road surfaces, making them extremely slippery and dangerous for vehicles and pedestrians. It is usually hard to see since it takes on the dark color of the asphalt underneath, hence the term "black."
Black ice is a term commonly used in both written and spoken English, particularly in weather reports, traffic safety discussions, and when advising motorists about hazardous driving conditions.
The term is commonly used in localized areas that experience winter weather. It is more frequently found in weather reports and road safety information than in everyday informal conversation.
Black ice is a serious hazard during winter months when temperatures drop unexpectedly.
El hielo negro es un grave peligro durante los meses de invierno cuando las temperaturas bajan inesperadamente.
Many accidents occur because drivers don't see black ice until it's too late.
Muchos accidentes ocurren porque los conductores no ven el hielo negro hasta que es demasiado tarde.
The city put out warnings about black ice on the roads this morning.
La ciudad emitió advertencias sobre el hielo negro en las carreteras esta mañana.
While "black ice" itself is not commonly used in idiomatic expressions, it does indicate the dangers of situations that may seem deceptively safe. Here are some relevant idiomatic expressions that convey similar feelings of hidden dangers or risks:
Walking on thin ice
Be careful in this situation; you're really walking on thin ice.
Ten cuidado en esta situación; realmente estás caminando sobre hielo fino.
The calm before the storm
It was such a beautiful day; it felt like the calm before the storm when the black ice came in.
Era un día tan hermoso; se sentía como la calma antes de la tormenta cuando llegó el hielo negro.
A wolf in sheep's clothing
That looks like an easy project, but it's a wolf in sheep's clothing, just like black ice can be deceiving.
Eso parece un proyecto fácil, pero es un lobo con piel de oveja, así como el hielo negro puede ser engañoso.
The term "black ice" combines the color "black," indicative of the color of the road surface, and "ice," which refers to the frozen water forming the hazardous conditions. The phrase has likely emerged in usage due to the need for drivers to be informed about the specific types of ice that pose risks while driving.
Synonyms: - Invisible ice - Black top ice
Antonyms: - Clear road - Safe driving conditions