redline: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2-C1Slightly formal; common in political discourse, business, and automotive/technical contexts.
Quick answer
What does “redline” mean?
To operate an engine at its maximum safe revolutions per minute.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To operate an engine at its maximum safe revolutions per minute; more broadly, to set a strict limit or boundary, especially one that should not be crossed.
The term commonly refers to marking a boundary (e.g., a red line on a map) that constitutes an absolute limit in policy, negotiation, or conflict, beyond which severe consequences will follow. It can also mean to discriminate against a person or area by denying services (e.g., loans).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The discriminatory practice 'redlining' is a term originating from and most commonly used in an American socio-economic context. The 'engine revving' sense is understood but less frequent in UK automotive discourse. The 'political boundary' sense is equally used in both.
Connotations
In political contexts, 'red line' often implies a threat of military force or severe sanctions (stronger in US foreign policy discourse). In the UK, it can also refer to a firm negotiating position in domestic politics.
Frequency
More frequent in American English due to the historical 'redlining' term and its prevalent use in political rhetoric.
Grammar
How to Use “redline” in a Sentence
[SVO] The government redlined the disputed region.[SV] The tachometer showed the engine was redlining.[VO] They accused the bank of redlining the neighbourhood.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “redline” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The diplomat stated they would redline any further incursions into the airspace.
- Be careful not to redline the engine during the break-in period.
American English
- The city sued the bank for redlining predominantly minority neighbourhoods.
- He redlined the motor to show off its power.
adjective
British English
- The redline speed for this model is 7000 rpm.
- They established a redline issue in the coalition talks.
American English
- The redline policy on tariffs was finally made public.
- Her redline issue was environmental protection.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Referring to a non-negotiable term in a contract or a risk threshold.
Academic
Used in sociology/history to discuss discriminatory lending (redlining). In politics/international relations, discusses deterrence theory.
Everyday
Used metaphorically: 'His constant lateness was a red line for her.'
Technical
Automotive engineering: the maximum safe rotational speed of an engine, indicated by a red mark on a tachometer.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “redline”
- Using 'redline' as a noun for the *act* of discrimination (correct noun is 'redlining'). Confusing 'redline' (v) with 'underline'. Using it in a context that doesn't imply a firm limit or danger.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As a verb, it's one word ('redline'). The noun form for the limit is often two words ('a red line'), but can be hyphenated ('red-line') or one word, especially in compound terms ('redline issue'). The discriminatory practice is 'redlining'.
A 'deadline' is a time limit for completion. A 'red line' is a substantive boundary that must not be crossed, often with severe consequences for violation, not necessarily time-related.
Rarely. It inherently relates to limits, maximums, or exclusion. In automotive enthusiasm, revving to the redline can be described positively (e.g., 'performance'), but it still refers to operating at a mechanical limit.
No, it has long been used in diplomacy. However, its prominence increased significantly in international media during the early 21st century, particularly regarding conflicts in the Middle East.
To operate an engine at its maximum safe revolutions per minute.
Redline is usually slightly formal; common in political discourse, business, and automotive/technical contexts. in register.
Redline: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrɛd.laɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrɛd.laɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To cross a red line”
- “A line drawn in red”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a tachometer with a red mark at the top – going into the 'red line' is dangerous. Or, picture a map of a city with a red line drawn around districts where banks refuse loans.
Conceptual Metaphor
BOUNDARIES ARE LINES; DANGER/MAXIMUM IS RED; EXCLUSION IS DRAWING A LINE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context did the term 'redline' originate to mean discriminatory denial of services?