Red zone

Meaning

The idiom "red zone" refers to a high-risk or dangerous area. It can be used to describe a physical location, such as a war-torn region or an area with high crime rates, or a metaphorical location, such as a person's temperament or a situation that poses a risk.

Usage

• We were advised not to venture into the red zone of the city, where the crime rate was extremely high.
• The CEO's red-hot temperament was legendary among his employees.
• The new employee was in the red zone of his learning curve, but he was determined to improve.
• The stock market had entered a red zone, with investors selling off their shares in panic.
• The hurricane had moved into the red zone, where it was expected to make landfall and cause widespread destruction.

Roots and History

The idiom "red zone" has been used since at least the 19th century. It may have originated from the practice of marking off areas in a warzone as "red zones," indicating that they were under fire or had high mortality rates. Over time, the idiom has been applied to other situations that pose a risk, such as physical danger, emotional turmoil, and financial instability.

Synonyms in English

• Danger zone
• Hot zone
• Risky area
• High-stakes situation
• Hazardous territory

Synonyms in other languages

• DZone - Spanish
• Dieu Rouge - French
• Area Rød - Danish
• Zona Roja - Portuguese
• Dieu Rouge - Vietnamese

Similar Idioms

• read the riot act

• feel blue

• red herring