red zone

American  

[red zohn] / ˈrɛd ˌzoʊn /

noun

1. Football. an unofficial term for the area at either end of the field between the 20-yard line and the goal line, considered critical for defense.

   The team’s top-notch defense has allowed opponents to score a touchdown on only 39 percent of trips inside the red zone.

2. an area colored red on a dial or other instrument of measurement, alerting the viewer to unsafe conditions when the needle or indicator enters it.

   To avoid engine damage, do not run the engine with the tachometer needle in the red zone!

3. a restricted area, sometimes specially labeled or marked with red.

   Do not enter the red zone without donning proper PPE.

4. any range of conditions considered unsafe or likely to generate serious problems, such as for physical or financial health.

   Watch that you don’t end up in the red zone with all that stress and so little sleep.

   Some countries are so far into the red zone with debt that marginal changes in repayment terms make no difference.

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Etymology

Origin of red zone

First recorded in 1940–45; 1970–75 red zone for def. 1

Example Sentences

Denver have led the league for sacks in each of the past two seasons and been in the top three for rushing defence, red zone defence and fewest points allowed.

From BBC

As a result, the throw traveled 51.2 yards in the air to reach Kmet in the end zone, marking the longest completion from a play that began in the red zone since the league began tracking a decade ago.

From The Wall Street Journal

What the panel said: "The panel felt that the ball hit the 'red zone' of his arm that was raised in an unjustifiable position."

From BBC

“We struggled to hit on a few things early in the season,” Stafford said, “to where he was absolutely dominating people in the red zone.”

From Los Angeles Times

They got stingier on third down — 106th nationally to 21st — and in the red zone — 119th to 69th.

From Los Angeles Times