danger-signal

A train engineer sees a red danger-signal ahead.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A signal indicating danger: A "danger-signal" is a sign, gesture, or device that warns of potential harm, risk, or an unsafe condition. It is often used in contexts such as railways, traffic, or industrial settings to alert people to stop or take precautionary measures.
   • A metaphorical warning: In a figurative sense, a "danger-signal" can refer to any indication or clue that suggests a threat or problem is imminent.

Usage Examples

• Literal meaning:

  • The railway worker raised the danger-signal to warn the approaching train of a broken track. (A physical signal indicating a hazard on the tracks.)
  • When the red light flashed, it acted as a danger-signal for all vehicles to stop immediately. (A traffic warning device.)

• Figurative meaning:

  • His sudden silence was a danger-signal that something was wrong with the plan. (A clue suggesting an impending issue.)
  • The company's declining profits were a danger-signal for investors to reconsider their positions. (A warning sign of financial trouble.)

Advanced Usage

• "to give a danger-signal": to actively provide a warning of risk.

  • The lifeguard gave a danger-signal by blowing a whistle when the swimmer went too far out. (The lifeguard alerted others to the hazard.)

• "to ignore a danger-signal": to disregard a warning, often leading to negative consequences.

  • The hiker ignored the danger-signal about the unstable cliff path and nearly fell. (He did not heed the warning.)

Variants and Related Words

• Danger (n): the state of being exposed to harm or risk.

  • The danger of the storm forced everyone indoors. (The risk of harm.)

• Signal (n): a sign or device that conveys information or instructions.

  • The traffic signal turned green, allowing cars to move. (A device giving a command.)

• Dangerous (adj): involving or causing risk.

  • The road was dangerous due to ice. (Hazardous.)

Synonyms

• Warning sign: an indicator of potential trouble.

  • The smoke was a warning sign of a fire. (A danger-signal.)

• Alert: a notice or signal of danger.

  • The alarm served as an alert for an earthquake. (A danger-signal.)

• Red flag: a metaphorical term for a warning of a problem.

  • His aggressive behavior was a red flag to the team. (A danger-signal.)

Related Idioms

• To see the writing on the wall: to recognize an impending danger or failure.

  • When sales dropped, the manager saw the writing on the wall and resigned. (He perceived the danger-signal.)

• To ring alarm bells: to cause concern or warn of danger.

  • The budget deficit rang alarm bells for the government. (It acted as a danger-signal.)

Phrasal Verbs

• Signal for: to indicate or request something using a signal.

  • The driver signaled for help when his car broke down. (He gave a danger-signal.)

• Flag up: to draw attention to a potential problem.

  • The report flagged up several danger-signals in the project. (It highlighted warnings.)