"In the red" is an idiom that means to be losing money, or to owe more money than you have. If you picture a ledger, negative amounts were traditionally written in red ink, which is probably where this phrase comes from. People often use it to describe being overdrawn at the bank, or when a business isn't making a profit. It's the opposite of "in the black," which means to be profitable or financially solvent. The phrase is used regularly in business and financial contexts, creating a vivid image of the state of finances. It's an example of how language can use color to express financial concepts.
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