red-light

A car stops at a red-light.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A traffic signal: "red-light" refers to a red-colored light used as a signal to stop vehicles or pedestrians at an intersection.
   • A danger signal: It can also mean a warning or sign of danger or impending trouble.
   • A brothel (US slang): In informal American English, "red-light" is part of the term "red-light district," but as a standalone noun, it can refer to a brothel or house of prostitution.

Usage Examples

• As a traffic signal:
  • The driver stopped at the red-light. (He halted because the traffic light was red.)
• As a danger signal:
  • Seeing the red-light on the dashboard, he pulled over. (The warning light indicated a problem with the car.)
• As a brothel (slang):
  • The police raided a red-light in the city. (They entered a house of prostitution.)

Advanced Usage

• "to see the red-light": to sense or perceive danger or trouble approaching.
  • When the stock market crashed, many investors saw the red-light and sold their shares. (They recognized the warning signs of financial risk.)
• "red-light district": an area of a city where brothels and sex-related businesses are concentrated.
  • The red-light district is known for its neon signs and nightlife. (A specific neighborhood with prostitution.)

Variants and Related Words

• Red-light camera (n): a camera that captures images of vehicles running red lights at intersections.
  • The city installed red-light cameras to reduce accidents. (Automated enforcement devices.)
• Red-light therapy (n): a medical treatment using low-level red light for skin or pain issues.
  • She uses red-light therapy for her joint pain. (A therapeutic procedure.)

Synonyms

• Stop signal: a signal indicating that movement should cease.
• Warning light: a light that alerts to danger or malfunction.
• Brothel: a house where prostitution is practiced (slang equivalent).

Related Idioms

• Red-light treatment: (rare) a harsh or hostile reception, sometimes implying rejection.
  • The proposal got the red-light treatment from the committee. (It was strongly rejected or stopped.)
• Red-light in the rearview: (informal) a past danger or warning that is now behind.
  • After the crisis passed, she said the red-light in the rearview was a relief. (The danger was over.)

Phrasal Verbs (with "red-light" as part of compound)

• Red-light someone: (informal) to reject or stop someone's advance.
  • The manager red-lighted the proposal immediately. (He refused it outright.)