early bath
The condition of being shown a red card in soccer.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The player received a red card and took an early bath.”
“He walks to the locker room after earning an early bath.”
“You risk an early bath if you keep shouting at the referee.”
“After his reckless tackle, the referee sent the defender off for an early bath.”
“The goalkeeper argued with the official so loudly that he was sent for an early bath just ten minutes into the game.”
“Our star striker is heading for an early bath because he deliberately touched the ball with his hands near the goal.”
“The young midfielder looks devastated as he heads for an early bath following a second yellow card for tripping his opponent.”
“The captain's frustration boiled over, resulting in a dangerous foul that earned him an early bath before the first half concluded.”
The term originates from the traditional practice of team athletes bathing together following the conclusion of a match. A player sent off the pitch for a disciplinary infraction is afforded the opportunity to enter the water before their teammates, thereby securing an early bath while the game continues without them.
- 01
be a hundred years too early
To be so immature and unprepared as to have no hope of achieving an accomplishment.
- 02
bright and early
(Very) early in the morning.
- 03
call it an early night
To go to bed or cease one's activities earlier in the evening than usual.
- 04
Christmas come early
Something very delightful or fortunate that is happening or has happened, especially earlier than expected.
- 05
early bird
A person who wakes early or arrives early, typically before most others.
- 06
it's early days
Indicating it is too soon to know the outcome of a situation, often implying it is too early to make a judgment or prediction.
- 07
take a bath
To lose a large amount of money in an investment.
Last updated August 10, 2026