see red
see red (idiom)
/si rɛd/
Meaning
- To become very angry.
- To be or become extremely angry.
- To experience intense anger.
Example Sentences
- When he saw the damage to his car, he saw red and started yelling.
- She saw red upon hearing the unfair accusations against her friend.
- The unfair decision made the team see red during the match.
- He tends to see red whenever someone interrupts him.
- The article was so biased that it made readers see red.
Origin and History
The idiom “see red” is commonly used to describe a sudden onset of anger. Its exact origin is debated, with several theories proposed to explain how the phrase entered the English language.
Bullfighting Theory
A prevalent belief is that the phrase originates from bullfighting, where matadors use a red cape, known as a “muleta,” to provoke bulls. However, bulls are colorblind to red; it’s the movement of the cape that incites them. Despite this, the association between the red cape and the bull’s aggression may have contributed to the idiom.
Military Signaling Theory
Another theory suggests that “see red” comes from historical military practices, where a red flag signaled imminent battle. Seeing the red flag would evoke strong emotions, possibly leading to the association with anger.
Color Symbolism Theory
Red has long been associated with warning and danger, as seen in its use on flags and signs. This association may have influenced the development of the phrase “see red” to describe anger.
Physiological Response Theory
Some suggest that the phrase is linked to the physiological response during intense anger, where individuals may experience reddening of the face due to increased blood flow. This visible redness could have led to the association between the color red and anger.
Earliest Recorded Use
The earliest recorded use of “see red” in the context of anger dates back to the early 20th century. The precise origin remains uncertain, but the phrase has been widely used in English since then.
Synonyms
- hit the roof
- lose one’s temper
- fly into a rage
- blow a fuse
- go ballistic
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