# red face test

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/red-face-test
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A hypothetical test of a person's embarrassment that is either passed or failed. Saying one passes the red face test means one would not blush and thus would not be embarrassed by disclosing something to others or doing something, and saying one fails the red face test means a situation would cause them discernible embarrassment.

## Examples

- I cannot tell my boss that, it fails the red face test.
- Before you publish those private emails, ask yourself if the content passes the red face test.
- The politician insisted that his financial dealings would easily pass the red face test if they were ever made public.

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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.