Lily-white (Adjective)
Meaning 1
Of a pure white color.
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The lily-white marble statue stood out against the dark background of the museum.
- Her lily-white skin was a stark contrast to the sun-kissed complexion of her siblings.
- The lily-white sheets were freshly laundered and smelled of detergent.
- The lily-white flowers swayed gently in the breeze, their delicate petals shimmering in the sunlight.
- The lily-white paint on the walls of the nursery created a soothing atmosphere for the baby.
Meaning 2
Restricted to whites only; "under segregation there were even white restrooms and white drinking fountains"; "a lily-white movement which would expel Negroes from the organization".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The country club had a lily-white membership policy, refusing to admit people of color for decades.
- During the era of segregation, many restaurants and hotels had lily-white clientele, with separate facilities for non-whites.
- The lily-white neighborhood association actively worked to prevent people of color from moving into the area.
- The organization's lily-white leadership was criticized for its lack of diversity and representation.
- The city's lily-white elite controlled the local government, making decisions that often excluded the needs of minority communities.