She was forced to put on the red light to survive.
put on the red light
idiomTo advertise oneself as a prostitute.
Origin
disputed originRefers to the fact that a red light is traditionally placed in the windows of sex-related businesses; compare red-light district.
The desperate woman had to put on the red light just to pay her rent.
In the darkest corners of the city, many women were driven by poverty to put on the red light.
- 01
amber light
Hesitance to proceed; limited approval or permission to proceed.
- 02
bleed red ink
To suffer from severe net losses.
- 03
bring to light
To expose, disclose or reveal something that was hidden or unknown.
- 04
clap one's hands red
To clap or applaud intensely.
- 05
come to light
To become known; to be revealed.
- 06
cut red tape
To reduce bureaucracy.
- 07
false light
A point of view resulting in a misleading or inaccurate representation of a person, situation, or fact.
- 08
give a light
To care.