red card (sports); severe warning/penalty
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesnoun
red card (in sports); immediate dismissal
Most commonly associated with football/soccer. The player/coach shown a red card must leave the field immediately and is usually suspended for the next match.
For a malicious foul, the referee directly showed the red card.
After receiving a red card, he was sent off, and the team had to play with ten men.
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The coach was also shown a red card for disputing the call.
noun
severe warning; ultimate penalty (figurative)
A metaphorical extension from sports, meaning to issue a final, severe warning or penalty that often leads to suspension of privileges or shutdown.
This factory was given a 'red card' (shut down) by the environmental protection agency for exceeding pollution limits.
After multiple violations, the platform finally issued a 'red card' (permanent ban) to that account.
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Due to serious food safety issues, this restaurant was given a 'red card' (ordered to close) for rectification.