red light
Definition
- Noun:
- A signal to stop: A red light is a visual signal, typically a lamp or illuminated sign, that instructs moving vehicles or pedestrians to halt. It is most commonly associated with traffic control.
- A cautionary sign of danger: A red light can figuratively represent a warning, an obstacle, or a signal to cease an activity due to potential risk or prohibition.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The driver stopped the car at the red light. (The driver obeyed the traffic signal instructing vehicles to halt.)
- Her sudden hesitation was a red light for the investors, causing them to reconsider the deal. (Her hesitation acted as a warning sign of potential problems.)
Advanced Usage
- "to see a red light": To perceive a warning or a signal to stop.
- When the client started asking about our insurance coverage, I saw a red light and ended the conversation.
- "to run a red light": To drive through a traffic intersection when the signal is red, which is illegal and dangerous.
- He got a ticket for running a red light.
Variants and Related Words
- Red-light district (noun phrase): A part of a city known for its concentration of adult entertainment venues.
- The guidebook advised tourists to avoid the red-light district at night.
- Red-flag (noun, verb): A literal or figurative warning sign; to mark something as problematic.
- His inconsistent answers red-flagged his application for further review.
Synonyms
- Stop signal: A direct synonym in the context of traffic.
- Warning sign: A synonym for the figurative meaning indicating caution.
- Hazard signal: Emphasizes the danger aspect.
Related Phrases
- Give (someone/something) the red light: To give a signal to stop or to refuse permission for something to proceed.
- The board gave the red light to the proposed budget due to funding concerns.
Related Idioms
- Like a red rag to a bull: Something that is certain to provoke a strong, angry reaction.
- Criticizing his work is like a red rag to a bull. (This idiom uses the color "red" but is distinct from the signal "red light").
Noun
-
the signal to stop
-
a cautionary sign of danger
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