# early bath

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/early-bath
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

The condition of being shown a red card in soccer.

## Examples

- 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.

## Origin

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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.