red flag

plural red flags

1. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see red, flag.
2. figurativelyA cue, warning, or alert; a sign or signal that something is wrong.

   Improper formatting is a red flag that you should look for other problems with the data.

   4 more examples

   The first major red flag with Barbara was her use of emojis. After our second session, in which I listed my many negative qualities, she said my long-term mission was to accept myself – a statement she ended with a winking face.

   2016 July 9, Angelina Chapin, “Text therapy: once my therapist sent me an emoji, I knew it was game over”, in Katharine Viner, editor, The Guardian, London: Guardian News & Media, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 15 May 2023

   In the pre-cellphone world of the early '80s, my dad might have done a few things that today would raise a few red flags, but in truth cultivated a sense of independence. "I'm headed to the ballpark," he'd say, dropping $20 on the desk in a Chicago hotel room. "Take the El to Addison, your ticket should be at Will Call. Try to find the media room after the game or just hang around outside the gate or just meet me back here."

   2021 June 19, David Vecsey, “Former Times Columnist George Vecsey Gets Tribute From Son”, in The New York Times, New York, N.Y.: The New York Times Company, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 07 Jan 2023

   Evolved Ape investors noticed several red flags leading up to Evil Ape's rug pull. After the public sale on September 24, the announcements seemed suspiciously unprofessional and several of the leaders were not around anymore, one investor who requested anonymity due to the ongoing fallout from the scam told Motherboard. But they chalked it up to lack of experience at the time. "I don't think this giant storm was ever what was expected," the investor said.

   2021 October 5, Ekin Genç, “Investors Spent Millions on 'Evolved Apes' NFTs. Then They Got Scammed.”, in VICE, archived from the original on 28 May 2023

   These signals are increasingly sorted into the language of “green flags” and “red flags” – a discourse turbocharged by social media, where certain titles or genres are treated as instant proxies for someone’s values, politics or emotional availability.

   2026 February 13, Emma Loffhagen, “‘His favourite book was by Jordan Peterson, which was a massive ick’: how books perform on dating apps”, in The Guardian, →ISSN

   Antonyms: green flag

   1. figurativelyhobbiesA flag used as a signal that the race must be stopped immediately (and possibly restarted).

      A red flag may be waved after a bad start or if a rider is injured. If you see a red flag, stop immediately and return to the starting line.

      2017, Jill Sherman, Racing Personal Watercraft (Sea-Doos), →ISBN, page 37

      2 more examples

      Typically, a red flag is used when it rains or when the safety of the clean-up crews is in danger because there is too much debris or oil on the track.

      2005, James A. Vlasich, Horsehide, Pigskin, Oval Tracks and Apple Pie, →ISBN, page 177

      The race was punctuated by two red flags, the first caused by a pile-up on the pit straight, the second by a high-speed crash for Lance Stroll.

      2020 September 13, Andrew Benson, “Tuscan Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton claims 90th win after incredible race”, in BBC News, archived from the original on 03 Apr 2023

      Antonyms: green flag

   2. UKfigurativelyhistoricalrail transportA flag formerly used by a railway guard to warn the driver not to start the train.

      Antonyms: green flag

3. governmentA red or predominantly red flag symbolizing a left-wing ideological movement, such as socialism, communism or the labour movement.

   Some chanted: "Pride, pride, national pride" and "Poland should be national not red or rainbow-coloured", in a reference to the red flag of the Soviet Union and the symbol of gay pride.

   2018 November 11, “Polish government officials march with far-right groups to mark century of independence”, in The Daily Telegraph, archived from the original on 07 Mar 2023

4. USfigurativelySomething that will enrage a particular person; a red rag.

1. USgovernmentA series of advanced, realistic air combat training exercises conducted by the U.S. Air Force.
2. entertainmentA socialist song, emphasising the sacrifices and solidarity of the international labor movement.
3. USclimatologySynonym of red flag warning

   Synonyms: red flag warning