Idioms

see red

This page is about the idiom see red

Meaning

If you see red, you become extremely angry.

For example

  • We were playing baseball when one of the batters saw red after a pitcher threw the ball straight at his head. He ran up to the guy and punched him.

  • There's no point getting into a fight, so if you see red just count to ten and wait for the anger to die down.

Origin: Possibly related to the fact that in bull-fighting a matador waves a red cape at a bull in order to make it angry.

Quick Quiz

We were playing a game of cards when Marty suddenly saw red. He said it was because

a. he got some great cards

b. he only got hearts and diamonds

c. he saw Harry cheating
a) he got some great cards b) he only got hearts and diamonds c) he saw Harry cheating

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Common English Idioms

Contributor: Matt Errey