Meaning: This idiom means to become very angry or enraged, often suddenly and intensely.
Usage in Example Sentences:
- “He saw red when he found out that his car had been scratched in the parking lot.”
- “She saw red after hearing the unfair criticism from her boss.”
- “Whenever someone lies to him, he sees red instantly.”
Origin: The origin of the idiom “see red” is likely linked to the association of the color red with anger, aggression, and heightened emotions. This connection is rooted in physiological responses, as anger can cause a person’s face to flush or turn red due to increased blood flow. Additionally, the phrase may also be influenced by the traditional image of a bull charging at a red cape during a bullfight, where the bull’s reaction is interpreted as anger. Although the color red does not actually provoke the bull (it’s the movement of the cape that does), this image has become symbolic of intense anger, leading to the idiom “see red” to describe someone becoming very angry.
