ENGLISH
REFERENCE

see red

idiom
Meaning

To become enraged, angry, or irritated.


Origin

disputed origin

Possibly from the red flag used in some historic armies to signal the imminence of battle, or from the red cloth used to enrage bulls in Spanish bullfighting, or more generally from the idea of red as a colour of warning and danger. Compare corresponding idioms in several European languages: Danish se rødt, German rotsehen, French voir rouge, etc.

Examples
SIMPLE

I really see red when people talk during a movie.

CONTEXTUAL

He started to see red when his neighbor parked in his driveway for the third time this week.

COMPLEX

The politician tried to remain calm during the debate, but he began to see red when his opponent questioned his integrity in front of the entire audience.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    bleed red ink

    To suffer from severe net losses.

  2. 02

    clap one's hands red

    To clap or applaud intensely.

  3. 03

    cut red tape

    To reduce bureaucracy.

  4. 04

    for all the world to see

    in plain view; clearly visible

  5. 05

    have seen one's day

    Of a person, thing, idea, etc., to be at the point in a life cycle or career of no longer being useful or effective; to be worn-out.

  6. 06

    have seen one's last gum tree

    Of a person, on the edge of death.

  7. 07

    have seen this movie

    To have experienced a situation which is the same as or similar to the current situation, especially with a sense of the unpleasantness or tiresomeness of the recurring situation.

  8. 08

    I see, said the blind man

    Expressing confusion.

Last updated April 17, 2026