The idiom "black sheep" refers to a person who is considered the odd one out or the outcast of a group or family. This person is often seen as a disgrace or a disappointment to the rest of the group or family.
The origin of the phrase comes from the fact that black sheep were considered less valuable than white sheep because their wool could not be dyed and sold for a higher price. So, a black sheep was seen as a burden to the shepherd.
You can use this idiom when talking about someone who is not accepted or liked by others in a group or family. For example, "John is the black sheep of the family because he dropped out of college and doesn't have a steady job like his siblings."
It's important to note that using this phrase can be hurtful to the person being referred to as the "black sheep." So, it's best to use it with caution and sensitivity.
• The politician's unpopular policies made him the black sheep of his party, causing him to lose support from his colleagues.
• Whenever there is a mistake at work, the boss blames me because I'm the black sheep of the team.
• My cousin is the black sheep of the family because he dropped out of college.
• In the group of friends, he was always the black sheep because he had different interests and opinions than the rest.
• Even though he comes from a family of doctors, he decided to become a musician, making him the black sheep of the family.
• When she announced that she was leaving the company to start her own business, she was seen as the black sheep of the corporate world.