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

The government, already in the red before the pandemic, secured a landmark debt restructuring with official and private creditors, unlocking an IMF bailout and easing pressure on public finances.

From Barron's ● Aug. 10, 2026

He took cues on how both clamped down better than anyone else in the red zone, where they each allowed opponents to convert touchdowns just 37% of the time.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 9, 2026

“We reached out to Loudoun County in Virginia, whose budget was in the red before they started welcoming more data centers. Now they’re operating in the black.”

From Slate ● Aug. 6, 2026

Now at around $108, the stock is well below its $135 IPO price, meaning people who had to wait until the rocket company’s stock-market debut to purchase shares are in the red on their investment.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 6, 2026

“Three hundred, and a present at that,” was the prompt reply of the man in the red sweater.

From "The Call of the Wild" by Jack London