ENGLISH
REFERENCE

see yellow

idiom
Meaning

To receive a yellow card.


Origin

disputed origin

Modelled on see red.

Examples
SIMPLE

The player saw yellow for a late tackle.

CONTEXTUAL

The referee did not hesitate to make the defender see yellow after that dangerous challenge.

COMPLEX

Although the captain argued his case with passion, the official remained unmoved and forced him to see yellow for his persistent dissent.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    for all the world to see

    in plain view; clearly visible

  2. 02

    I see, said the blind man

    Expressing confusion.

  3. 03

    I'd like to see someone try

    Expressing a threat or challenge to someone.

  4. 04

    long time no see

    I (or we) have not seen you for a long time.

  5. 05

    not see someone for dust

    To not see someone at all; implying a hasty departure.

  6. 06

    raise the flag and see who salutes

    To float an idea, (or otherwise do some action) to see what response or controversy (if any) it generates, usually as a preliminary step.

  7. 07

    see a man

    Used in place of a real explanation when excusing oneself for a short period of time, particularly (euphemistic) to use the toilet or (historical) drink alcohol.

  8. 08

    see a man about a dog

    Used in place of a real explanation when excusing oneself for a short period of time, particularly (euphemistic) to use the toilet or (historical) drink alcohol.

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