PhrasesHub

In the red

    Definitions

      • Financial deficit
        To describe a situation in which a person or organization is losing more money than they are making, indicating a negative balance or debt.

      • Overdrawn bank account
        To describe a bank account that has a negative balance, resulting in fees and penalties for the account holder.

      • Financially unstable
        To describe a person or organization that is struggling financially, often due to excessive spending or poor financial management.

    Examples of In the red

    • The company has been operating in the red for the past six months.

      This idiom is used to describe a financial situation where a company or individual is losing money. In other words, they are spending more than they are earning, resulting in a negative net income or loss. When a company is in the red, it means that it is operating at a loss and is not making a profit. In the given example, the company has been unprofitable for the last six months.

    • After the divorce, Jane found herself in the red for the first time in her life.

      The idiom "in the red" is also used to describe an individual's financial situation. In this particular example, Jane's personal finances have taken a hit due to her divorce settlement. As a result, she has incurred expenses that exceed her income, putting her in a position where she is losing money. In other words, Jane is currently operating at a loss.

    • The sales figures for the first quarter of the year put the company securely in the red.

      The idiom "in the red" can be used to describe specific financial periods as well. In this example, the company's sales performance for the first quarter of the year resulted in a loss. The financial statement for the quarter would show a negative net income, indicating that the company is operating at a loss during that specific time period.

    • The failed product launch left the company in the red for the entire year.

      This example illustrates how the idiom "in the red" can be used to describe a prolonged period of financial loss. The company's decision to launch a new product turned out to be a disaster, resulting in significant financial losses. The company's financial statement for the entire year would show a net loss, indicating that the company's financial performance for the year was negative.

    • The company's financial situation has taken a turn for the worse, and we're currently operating in the red.

      When a business or organization is losing money, it is said to be "in the red." This phrase comes from the color of numbers in red ink in accounting, which indicate a loss or debt. Being "in the red" can be a cause for concern, as it suggests that the company is not making enough profits to cover its expenses.

    • Sarah's savings account has been drained, and she's been living paycheck to paycheck, leaving her in the red at the end of each month.

      When an individual's expenses exceed their income, they are said to be "in the red." This often results in financial strain and debt, as they must pay interest on their overdue balances. Being "in the red" can be a stressful situation, as it can lead to financial instability and difficulty meeting basic needs.

    • The baseball team's season has been plagued by injuries, and they've been in the red for most of their games.

      When a team or athlete is losing more games than they win, they are said to be "in the red" or "underwater." This phrase comes from the red markings on the scoreboard that indicate a loss. Being "in the red" can be discouraging, as it suggests that the team is not performing at their best and may need to make adjustments or improvements to their strategy.

    • My car's mechanical issues have been putting a dent in my wallet, leaving me in the red each time I take it in for repairs.

      When unexpected expenses arise, they can leave an individual "in the red" or "out of pocket." This phrase reflects the idea that the person is being charged more than they are able to afford, resulting in a negative financial situation. Being "in the red" due to unforeseen expenses can be frustrating, as it can disrupt a person's budget and financial goals.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "in the red" is commonly used to describe a financial situation in which there is a deficit or negative balance. It can also refer to an overdrawn bank account or a person/organization that is financially unstable. This idiom is often used to caution against overspending or to warn of potential financial difficulties.

    Origin of "In the red"

    The origins of the idiom "in the red" can be traced back to accounting practices in the 19th century. In traditional bookkeeping, positive numbers were written in black ink, while negative numbers were written in red ink. Therefore, a business or individual who had more expenses than income would have their financial records written in red, indicating a deficit or loss.

    Over time, this practice evolved into a common phrase used to describe a negative financial state. Today, the idiom is still used in a similar context, though it is now more commonly associated with bank accounts rather than physical accounting records.

    Examples of the idiom being used in literature can be found as early as the 1920s, indicating that it has been in use for many decades. Its widespread usage can also be seen in the fact that it is recognized and understood in various languages and cultures.