# turn a number of shades of red

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/turn-a-number-of-shades-of-red
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To blush, especially out of embarrassment or shame.

## Examples

- He turned a number of shades of red when he tripped.
- When the teacher read his private poem aloud, he turned a number of shades of red in front of the class.
- Realizing that he had been caught in a blatant lie, the politician turned a number of shades of red while the cameras captured his visible discomfort.

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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.