Special Expressions with Colors: Special Expressions with Colors (#4)

Dennis Oliver

#4: red

Besides referring to certain shades or hues that everyone
knows, colors are also used in many idiomatic expressions.

Here are a few common expressions using the color red:

expression		meaning
redhead		someone with red hair

red hot		(1) something that is so hot that it is glowing; (2) very popular (slang).

red-letter day		a holiday (because holidays are often shown in red letters on calendars)

red meat		dark-colored meat such as beef or mutton. (Meat which is light-colored--such as veal, pork, poultry, and fish--is called white meat.)

red tape		excessive, time-consuming use of rules, regulations, complicated procedures, and formalities (for example, government procedures)

catch someone red-handed		catch someone while he / she is committing a crime

give someone the red-carpet treatment		give someone (especially a very important visitor) special treatment (see roll out the red carpet)

in the red		losing money; showing a financial loss

paint the town red		indulge in excessive and extravagant entertainment during a short period of time

roll out the red carpet		make lavish arrangements (receptions, formal greetings, banquets, etc.) for a very important visitor. (The red carpet is a long, narrow red rug that is put down for the visitor to walk on.)

see red		become uncontrollably angry