schwarzsehen

to be pessimistic; to look on the dark side, fear the worst

Origin

Black is the colour of misfortune and gloom; someone who 'sees black' pictures the future as dark and expects the worst. (To be distinguished from 'schwarzsehen' in the sense of watching TV without paying the licence fee.)

Source

Building blocks

Words in this expression

Examples

  • Sei nicht so ein Pessimistdu siehst .

    Don't be such a pessimist — you always look on the dark side.