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Red Flag

What Does "Red Flag" Mean?

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"Red flag" is an English idiom. It means "a warning sign or indicator of potential danger, problems, or issues; a signal that something is not right or should be examined closely."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "red flag" used in a sentence:
  • His evasiveness during the interview raised a red flag, making the hiring manager suspicious.
  • The sudden drop in profits was a red flag for the company's financial health.
  • In a relationship, a partner's secrecy can be a red flag indicating potential trust issues.
meaning for red flag

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Red Flag" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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