Red-letter day
Definitions
significant or memorable day
To refer to a day that is special or important, often marked on a calendar or remembered for a particular reasona day of good luck
To describe a day where everything goes well and brings positive outcomes
Examples of Red-letter day
Today is a red-letter day in our company as we have finally secured a major contract that has been in the making for months.
A red-letter day is a significant and memorable day. In this example, the company has successfully obtained a major contract after a long period of negotiation, making it a significant and memorable event that will be noted and celebrated.
Yesterday was a red-letter day for the athlete as she broke the world record in the women's 100m sprint.
In this example, the athlete achieved a remarkable feat, breaking the world record in her discipline. This event would be considered significant and memorable, marked by red letters, in sporting history.
It was a red-letter day for me personally as I proposed to my girlfriend and she said yes.
In this example, the phrase describes a personal event, the proposal and subsequent acceptance, which is a significant and memorable event in the individual's life.
The red-letter day for the town was the day that the new hospital opened, bringing much-needed medical facilities to the local area.
In this example, the opening of a new hospital is considered a significant event due to the positive impact it will have on the community's health and wellbeing. The event will be noted and remembered due to its significance and will likely be marked in some way, such as a special ceremony or event.
Yesterday was a red-letter day for Sarah as she finally landed her dream job.
A red-letter day is a special or memorable day. In this example, Sarah's landing of her dream job made it a very significant and important day for her, which is why it is referred to as a red-letter day.
The athletes were ecstatic as their team won the championship on a red-letter day for sports in the city.
This example shows that a red-letter day can be associated with events or festivities related to a particular field or area, such as sports in this case. The championship win made it a very exciting and significant day for the athletes and the city's sports community.
It was a red-letter day for the family as the young couple announced their engagement.
In this example, the red-letter day is related to a personal or family event, which is a significant milestone in one's life, such as an engagement.
The anniversary of the country's independence was celebrated with much pomp and show as it was a red-letter day for the nation.
This example shows that a red-letter day can apply to national or historical events or anniversaries as well. Such events carry a great deal of significance and importance for the people of the country, which is why they are referred to as red-letter days.
Conclusion
The idiom "red-letter day" is used to highlight a day that is significant, memorable, or brings good luck. It is often used to emphasize the importance of a particular day or to express happiness and positivity about the events of that day.Origin of "Red-letter day"
The origin of the idiom "red-letter day" can be traced back to medieval times when religious festivals and saints' days were marked on church calendars in red ink. These days were considered important and special, hence the association with the color red. Over time, the term "red-letter day" expanded beyond religious contexts to signify any day of significance or good fortune. The idiom has become a common expression in the English language, used to denote a day that stands out as particularly noteworthy or auspicious.
Examples of "red-letter day" can be found in literature, such as in Charles Dickens' novel "Great Expectations," where the protagonist Pip describes a day as a "red-letter day" due to a significant event occurring. The idiom continues to be widely used in everyday language to convey the idea of a special or fortunate day.