English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Red letter day
Meaning
Red Letter Day is an idiom that refers to a day of great significance or importance. The term "red letter" historically referred to a bold, colorful ink used for important documents, such as birth certificates and marriage licenses. In modern usage, the idiom has come to refer to any day that is marked by an important event or occasion.
The literal meaning of the idiom "red letter day" refers to a day when something important happens or when something is written in bold, colorful ink. Figuratively, it is used to describe a day that is significant or memorable for some reason.
Usage
- Today is a red letter day for me because I passed my final exams.
- The company's profits have surpassed expectations on this red letter day.
- This red letter day marks the 50th anniversary of the civil rights movement.
- My granddaughter's first birthday was a special red letter day for our family.
- I received an offer from my dream job on this red letter day. The usage of the idiom "red letter day" can vary depending on the context. In some cases, it may be used to describe a day that is both happy and sad. For example, a loved one's death may be marked by a red letter day, although their passing may not be something that is traditionally associated with happiness.
Roots and History
The idiom "red letter day" has its roots in the use of bold, colorful ink for important documents. In medieval times, scribes would write important information in red ink so that it could be easily read and distinguished from other text. Over time, the term came to be used more broadly to refer to any day that was marked by an important event or occasion.
Synonyms in English
- Big day
- Notable day
- Significant day
- Important date
- Memorable day
Synonyms in other languages
- Journée importante - French
- Tag der Erinnerung - German
- Giorno di ricordo - Italian
- День памяти - Russian
- 日本語 - Japanese (Note: "Japanese" is not a synonym for the idiom itself, but rather the language in which it is often used.)