[Idiom] IN THE RED. - Master the Art of Financial Terms Through Idioms

Operating at a loss.

In the red" comes from the traditional practice of using red ink to indicate a loss in financial books. If a company is "in the red," it means it is losing money rather than making a profit. This idiom helps in understanding financial status quickly, especially in business discussions.

Example Sentences

1. Our company has been in the red for three quarters.

   The company has been losing money for three consecutive quarters.

2. I noticed our budget is in the red this month.

   The speaker noticed this month's budget is in a deficit.

3. Falling into the red, the business had to reconsider its spending habits.

   Facing financial losses, the business had to rethink its spending habits.