If a business is in the red, it is in debt and losing money.
In the red is the opposite of in the black.
The idiom ‘in the red’ usually refers to businesses but it can be used to refer to an individual’s finances.
Origin of ‘In the Red’
Used since the early 1900s, this idiom refers to the bookkeeping practice of marking debits (payments) in red ink and credits (money received) in black.
Sentence Examples
“Our restaurant has been in the red for the last three years. Unless we start to turn a profit, we’ll have to close soon.”
“The government is in the red again due to the ineptitude of our illustrious leaders.”
“I’m sorry, I can’t lend you any money right now. I’m in the red myself.”
“I know this heavy discount on our new tablets we’ll put us in the red this quarter, but we’ll quickly recoup the loss and more if we follow the plan.”
Similar and Related Idioms
- In the Hole: In debt or facing a net financial deficit (e.g., “We’re $5,000 in the hole this month”).
- Wiped Out / Cleaned Out: Completely depleted of money or resources, usually suddenly due to heavy losses, expenses, or bad luck.
- (Go) Belly Up: To go bankrupt, fail completely, or cease operations (derived from the image of a dead fish floating belly-up).
- Go Bust: To experience financial ruin, go out of business, or run out of capital.
- On the Rocks: In severe financial difficulty or heading toward failure (often used for businesses or relationships in danger of collapse).
- Flat Broke / Dead Broke: Having zero money or financial resources left whatsoever.
- Strapped for Cash: Short on liquid money or experiencing a temporary lack of available funds.
- In Hock: When an item is in hock it is in the possession of a pawnbroker and cannot be retrieved until the money lent by the broker is paid back. To be in hock can also mean simply to be in debt.
- Not Have Two Pennies To Rub Together: To be extremely poor or living in severe financial hardship.
- Living From Hand to Mouth: Barely surviving on limited earnings, consuming money as fast as it is earned without any savings.
- On a Shoestring: Operating with a very small budget or minimal financial capital.