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black market

[/blæk ˈmɑːrkɪt/]
nounpl: black markets
mercado negro
1. An illegal market where goods are bought and sold in violation of official regulations, often at inflated prices
During the war, people bought food on the black market because supplies were rationed.
Durante a guerra, as pessoas compravam comida no mercado negro porque os suprimentos eram racionados.
2. Illicit trade in restricted or banned goods
The authorities cracked down on the black market for counterfeit goods.
As autoridades reprimiram o mercado negro de bens falsificados.
NYC Slang
underground economy, off-the-books trade
Synonyms
underground marketillegal marketshadow economy
Antonyms
white marketlegal marketlegitimate market

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
mercado negro
Most common term used throughout Brazil
São Paulo
mercado negro
Standard usage in business and news contexts
Portugal
mercado negro
Same term used as in Brazil; also 'comércio ilícito' in formal contexts

Related Idioms & Phrases

operate on the black market
buy on the black market
black market prices
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