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

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

An updated dashboard from Azhar and research analyst Nathan Warren shows how their gauges look now versus a year ago — trouble for the AI boom is looming if two gauges are in the red.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 20, 2026

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

The hospital recently reported $14 million in net income for its most recent fiscal year, but operated in the red each of three prior years.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 3, 2026

They are sitting in the red wingback chairs in the living room in the waning light of late afternoon.

From "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline