run a red light — to drive through a traffic light when it is showing red (which is illegal)
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to drive through a traffic light when it is showing red (which is illegal)
Pronunciation (IPA): /rʌn ə red laɪt/
Example Sentences
- My grandmother ran a red light yesterday and blamed it on her new bifocals.
- The pizza delivery guy ran three red lights but still arrived cold.
- Running a red light can result in serious accidents and legal consequences.
run a red light
VERB[/rʌn ə red laɪt/]
to drive through a traffic light when it is showing red (which is illegal)
The taxi driver decided to run a red light and nearly hit a crossing pedestrian.
Run a red light in darkness, while the beacon shines bright!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This phrasal expression emerged in the early 20th century with the introduction of traffic signals. It combines 'run' (meaning to pass through) with 'red light' (denoting the stop signal), creating an idiomatic phrase that vividly depicts the action of passing through a red traffic light as if rushing or speeding past it.
Breakdown
run (pass through or proceed) + red light (the red traffic signal indicating stop). The phrase anthropomorphizes the traffic light as an obstacle to be rushed past rather than obeyed.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My grandmother ran a red light yesterday and blamed it on her new bifocals.”
“The pizza delivery guy ran three red lights but still arrived cold.”
“Running a red light can result in serious accidents and legal consequences.”
“She was so distracted by her phone that she almost ran a red light.”
📚Related Words
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