Hello learners, we at the LMcD Academy are delighted to help you to improve your English. Today we are going to look at Idioms using the word “red” and below you will find 26 useful idioms to help you on your way to speaking like a native English speaker.
- As red as a beetroot (beet)
Of colour like blood.
Example: When she did her hair, Mary put some make-up and blood-red lipstick on her lips.
- Red-blooded
Has a lot of energy and really enjoys sex.
Example: He was attracted to her, as any red-blooded male would be.
- In the red
If your bank account is in the red, then you spend more money than you earn.
Example: Our company was in the red last year but things are getting on better now.
- In the red Zone
In a critical or dangerous situation, often referring to a sports context where a team is close to scoring.
Example: With just a few seconds left in the game, the team was in the red zone and needed a touchdown to win.
- Like a red flag to a bull
Something that makes you very angry and upset.
Example: Mentioning that night to him is like a red rag to a bull – he gets angry immediately.
- Not a red cent
No money at all.
Example: I did all that work for them and they didn’t pay me a red cent.
- Out of the red
Out of debt.
Example: Our company is finally out of the red and we are now making money.
- Red alert
A warning of great danger.
Example: During the bomb attack, the hospitals were on red alert.
- Red as a tomato
Extremely flushed and red in the face, as from embarrassment, anger, or physical strain.
Example: My father was as red as a tomato by the time we reached the top of the hill. I was afraid he might have a heart attack or something!
- Red as rose
Intensely red.
Example: The morning sunrise was as red as a rose.
- Red eye
Cheap whiskey, strong alcoholic drink.
Example: After getting drunk on red eye, he killed his wife.
- Red handed
Caught in the act of committing something wrong
Example: The pickpocket was caught red-handed.
- Red herring
A piece of information that is misleading and takes your attention from the relevant facts.
Example: The police inspector said that the information is a red herring and decided not to consider it seriously.
- Red hot
Extremely popular, successful, or intense at the moment.
Example: The new smartphone model is red hot; people are lining up to get their hands on it.
- Red in the face
To be embarrassed, ashamed, or blushing due to a situation or comment.
Example: When he realized he had mispronounced the guest’s name, he turned red in the face from embarrassment.
- Red-letter day
A special day you will always remember
Example: The day when my son was born was a red-letter day.
- Red-light district
The part of a city where many people offer sex for money.
Example: Mr Jenkins was found murdered in the city’s red light district last night
- Red line
A limit which should not be crossed.
Beware not to cross the red line when driving.
- Red mist
A feeling of great anger.
Example: Bob was so angry that he saw everything through a red mist.
- Red tag sale
A sale event where items are marked with red tags to indicate discounted prices.
Example: I got a great deal on this jacket during the red tag sale at the department store.
- Red tape
Complicated bureaucratic procedures that may take a long time to accomplish.
Example: Ryan missed the flight because of the red tape at the airport.
- Roll out the red carpet
To meet and greet someone formally.
Example: When the prime minister of the neighbouring country arrived, they rolled out the red carpet for him by preparing a special programme.
- The red-carpet treatment
Very special treatment
Example: When the Minister arrived, they gave him the red-carpet treatment.
- To bleed red ink
To have serious financial difficulties.
Example: If the hotel continues to bleed red ink, I’m afraid some staff will be sacked.
- To catch someone red-handed
To be caught in the criminal act.
Example: The police caught the pickpocket red-handed while he was trying the rob an old lady on the bus.
- To paint the town red
To go out and party all night with your friends.
Example: I can’t wait for the weekend. We’re going to paint the town red.
- To see red
To be furious.
Example: Brian saw red when he saw his electricity bill.
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