As black as coal
Posted by John Croix on March 18, 2008 at 11:49:
I have often heard the phrase "As black as coal" referring to coal as it comes from a mine. But it has suddenly dawned on me that I/We may have been misconstruing the phrase and it really is "as black as Kohl" meaning the ancient black eye make-up made from soot.
- As black as coal Victoria S Dennis 18/March/08