What does “In the red” mean?
"In the red" means having a negative balance or being in debt.
What context can I use the in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
Example
After all the holiday shopping, my bank account is in the red.
After all the holiday shopping, my bank account is in the red.
Example
The company has been struggling financially and is in the red.
The company has been struggling financially and is in the red.
Example
I need to cut back on expenses to avoid being in the red
I need to cut back on expenses to avoid being in the red
Is “In the red” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“In the red” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “In the red” effectively in context?
You can use "In the red" to describe a situation where someone or something has a negative balance or is in debt. It is often used to refer to financial matters, but can also be used metaphorically to describe being in a difficult or challenging situation. For example, if a friend asks how your finances are, you might say, 'After all the holiday shopping, my bank account is "in the red".'
- 1Personal Finance
She realized she was in the red when she couldn't pay her credit card bill.
She realized she was in the red when she couldn't pay her credit card bill.
- 2Business
The company has been struggling financially and is in the red.
The company has been struggling financially and is in the red.
- 3Budgeting
I need to cut back on expenses to avoid being in the red.
I need to cut back on expenses to avoid being in the red.
Similar phrases to “In the red”:
Having no money or being financially destitute
Example
After losing his job, he was completely broke.
After losing his job, he was completely broke.
Experiencing financial difficulties or constraints
Example
The family was financially strapped and struggled to make ends meet.
The family was financially strapped and struggled to make ends meet.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “In the red” come from?
The origin of the phrase "In the red" comes from accounting terminology. In bookkeeping, positive numbers are usually written in black ink, while negative numbers are written in red ink. When an account has a negative balance or is in debt, it is marked with red ink, hence the expression "in the red".
Is “In the red” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "In the red" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation, especially when discussing financial matters. It is a well-known expression that people use to describe being in debt or having a negative balance.
What tone does “In the red” have?
"In the red" conveys a tone of financial difficulty or challenge. It is often used to describe a negative financial situation, but can also be used metaphorically to describe being in a tough spot or facing challenges.
Can “In the red” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "In the red" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that is commonly used in conversations about personal finance, business, and budgeting. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as meetings, presentations, or financial reports.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'After all the holiday shopping, my bank account is "in the red".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I'm "in the red"' to imply being in a difficult financial situation.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- owe money
- be in debt
- have a negative balance
- be financially challenged
- be in the hole
Antonyms
- in the black
- have a positive balance
- be financially stable
- be in the green
