English idiom

in the red

Register · Neutral CEFR B2

Post

Figurative meaning

Owing money or operating at a financial loss.

Why this phrase?

Accountants once wrote negative balances in red ink.

Example

“The shop has been in the red since the new mall opened.”

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

a rip-off

Something that is far too expensive for what it is.

cost an arm and a leg

To be extremely expensive.

money doesn't grow on trees

Used to remind someone that money is limited and hard to earn.

tighten your belt

To spend less money because you have less than before.

break the bank

To cost so much that it uses up all your money.

cost the earth

to be extraordinarily expensive

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

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