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drive through a red light — to continue driving through a traffic intersection when the traffic light is red, which is illegal

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: to continue driving through a traffic intersection when the traffic light is red, which is illegal

Pronunciation (IPA): /draɪv θru ə red laɪt/

Example Sentences

  • My grandmother drove through a red light and told the cop she thought it was Christmas decoration.
  • The red-light camera flashed so brightly that I thought I was being photographed for a magazine cover.
  • Traffic violations like driving through a red light can result in hefty fines and penalty points.

drive through a red light

NOUN

[/draɪv θru ə red laɪt/]

to continue driving through a traffic intersection when the traffic light is red, which is illegal

a blue sedan speeds forward through the intersection while the traffic light glows bright red above. The driver grips the steering wheel with a worried expression as the car moves past the stop line. A police officer on the sidewalk points toward the violation while reaching for his radio. Pedestrians waiting at the crosswalk step back in alarm as the car rushes past. Other vehicles remain stopped at their red lights, following proper traffic rules. a driver illegally continuing through an intersection when the traffic light is red
💡 Concept

a blue sedan speeds forward through the intersection while the traffic light glows bright red above. The driver grips the steering wheel with a worried expression as the car moves past the stop line. A police officer on the sidewalk points toward the violation while reaching for his radio. Pedestrians waiting at the crosswalk step back in alarm as the car rushes past. Other vehicles remain stopped at their red lights, following proper traffic rules. a driver illegally continuing through an intersection when the traffic light is red

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/draɪv θru ə red laɪt/
🇬🇧 UK/draɪv θruː ə red laɪt/

🌳Etymology

Origin

This phrase emerged in the late 19th century following the invention of electric traffic signals. It derives from the universal traffic control system in which red light conventionally signals 'stop,' making the act of passing through it a traffic violation.

Breakdown

drive (operate a vehicle) + through (pass across or by) + red light (traffic signal indicating stop). The phrase combines these elements to describe violating traffic regulations.

🎵Rhyme

brightsightflightnight
bright
sight
flight
night

🔗Collocations

accidentally drive through a red light
get caught driving through a red light
fine for driving through a red light
camera catches red light violations
run a red light
red light runner

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“My grandmother drove through a red light and told the cop she thought it was Christmas decoration.”

😄 Fun example

“The red-light camera flashed so brightly that I thought I was being photographed for a magazine cover.”

“Traffic violations like driving through a red light can result in hefty fines and penalty points.”

“She narrowly avoided an accident after driving through a red light at the busy intersection.”

📚Related Words

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