in the red — in debt; losing money; having a negative balance
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: in debt; losing money; having a negative balance
Pronunciation (IPA): /ɪn ðə red/
Example Sentences
- My credit card account is always in the red because I can't resist online shopping.
- The restaurant went into the red after spending too much on fancy decorations.
- Ever since I discovered cryptocurrency, my bank account has been permanently in the red.
in the red
NOUN[/ɪn ðə red/]
in debt; losing money; having a negative balance
The small bakery is in the red after months of rising flour costs.
In the red and barely fed, his dreams are dead!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This idiom originates from accounting practices where financial losses and deficits were recorded in red ink, while profits were recorded in black ink. The visual distinction became a metaphor for financial difficulty.
Breakdown
in the red: literally written in red ink + figuratively meaning operating at a loss or in deficit; contrasted with 'in the black' (profitable).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My credit card account is always in the red because I can't resist online shopping.”
“The restaurant went into the red after spending too much on fancy decorations.”
“Ever since I discovered cryptocurrency, my bank account has been permanently in the red.”
“The startup needs new investors to get out of the red.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
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