in the red

Idioms  

1. In debt, as in Joshua can't keep track of funds, so half the time his company is in the red. This expression alludes to the bookkeeping practice of marking debits in red ink and credits in black. It survives even in the age of computerized accounts. So does the antonym, in the black, for being financially solvent or out of debt, as in Bill was happy to say they were in the black. [Early 1900s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

in the red

Rising bond yields dampened stock indexes, which were mostly in the red.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 18, 2026

With bets on a hike rising, stocks are in the firing line, with all three main indexes on Wall Street in the red and Europe also taking a hiding.

From Barron's ● Sep. 10, 2026

The others either break even or are in the red.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 8, 2026

Tottenham are next at 189.15m euros in the red, followed by Arsenal at 180.95m euros with several days until the transfer window closes on 1 September.

From BBC ● Aug. 26, 2026

“You saw the one in the red dress. And look at that one!”

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover