red card: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, Sports, Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “red card” mean?
A card shown by a referee to a player in sports (especially football/soccer) to indicate that the player is being sent off for serious misconduct.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A card shown by a referee to a player in sports (especially football/soccer) to indicate that the player is being sent off for serious misconduct.
Metaphorically, any official reprimand or expulsion from an event, organization, or activity, especially for a serious rule violation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, "red card" is overwhelmingly associated with football/soccer. In American English, it is understood but less frequent in everyday sports talk (except in international soccer contexts); major US sports use different terminology (e.g., "ejection," "game misconduct").
Connotations
Both share the core association with ejection for serious fouls. The metaphorical use is slightly more established in UK political/media discourse (e.g., "red-carded by the party whip").
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK English due to football's centrality. In US English, metaphorical use may be perceived as a British or football-specific borrowing.
Grammar
How to Use “red card” in a Sentence
[Player/Referee] + VERB (show/receive/get) + [a red card] + [for + NP/V-ing][Red card] + VERB (be + shown/issued/given) + [to + Player][Player] + VERB (be + sent off) + [with a red card]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “red card” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The ref is going to red-card him for that tackle!
- He was red-carded in the 75th minute.
American English
- The official red-carded the player after a VAR review.
- They can't red-card you for that; it wasn't a foul!
adjective
British English
- It was a clear red-card offence.
- The red-card decision was controversial.
American English
- The play resulted in a red-card situation.
- He made a red-card worthy challenge.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"The board gave the CEO a red card for violating the ethics policy, effectively forcing his resignation."
Academic
"The study analyzed the psychological impact on players immediately following a red card decision."
Everyday
"Our goalkeeper got a red card in the Sunday league match, so we had to play with ten men."
Technical
"The VAR official recommended an on-field review, leading to the referee upgrading the yellow to a red card."
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “red card”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “red card”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “red card”
- Using "red card" as a verb without "show" or "give" (Incorrect: 'The referee red-carded him.' is acceptable but informal. Correct: 'The referee showed him a red card.' is more standard.)
- Confusing 'red card' with 'yellow card' (a warning).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A yellow card is a caution or warning for misconduct. A red card is a dismissal; the player must leave the field immediately and cannot be replaced, leaving their team a player short. Two yellow cards in one game usually result in a red card.
Yes, informally (e.g., 'The referee red-carded him'). However, the more standard phrasing is 'show/give (someone) a red card.' The verbal form is common in sports journalism.
Yes, but primarily metaphorically. It is used in other sports with card systems (e.g., rugby, field hockey) and widely in business/politics/media to mean a severe reprimand or expulsion.
Yes. This is called a 'straight red card' and is given for the most serious offenses, such as violent conduct, serious foul play, or using offensive language.
A card shown by a referee to a player in sports (especially football/soccer) to indicate that the player is being sent off for serious misconduct.
Red card is usually informal, sports, journalistic in register.
Red card: in British English it is pronounced /ˌred ˈkɑːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌrɛd ˈkɑrd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to be shown the red card (metaphorical)”
- “a red-card offence”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of traffic lights: RED means STOP – a red card stops a player's participation in the game.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SERIOUS RULE VIOLATION IS A RED CARD; DISCIPLINARY ACTION IS A COLOUR-CODED SIGNAL.
Practice
Quiz
In which sport is the term 'red card' most originally and specifically used?