# black gold

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/black-gold
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Raw petroleum; crude oil.

## Examples

- Many countries rely on black gold for their energy needs.
- The economy of the region depends heavily on the extraction and sale of black gold.
- Throughout the twentieth century, nations frequently engaged in complex geopolitical maneuvers to secure steady access to the world's supply of black gold.

## Origin

From black and gold, in reference to the dark colour of the substances and the significant market value they represent. The term has been applied to crude oil, coal, and black pepper.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.