Black Maria

n.

Heard in Waterford

A police van though the term is often applied to police cars as well.

The guards came and took him off in the black maria

Posh English

The constabulary arrived and conveyed him away inside their mobile prison van.

Related terms

• The black and amberA reference to the Kilkenny hurling team and the county colours of black and amber.
• As black as d arse of a coal bucketExtremely dirty or filthy.
• As black as the ace of spadesExtremely dirty or filthy.
• Bale that and wrap it in black plasticTo declare that someone is correct or has hit upon the right idea.
• BlackExtremely crowded or busy.
• Black cat black kittenTo behave according to type, a chip off the old block.