Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
to raise red flag

to raise red flag

3 4.6
To signal that there may be a problem or danger
  • phrasal verb
translation icon : dar la voz de alarma
  • When the report showed discrepancies, it raised red flags that prompted further investigation.
  • they raise red flag
  • also raise red flag

So the only things that raised red flags about his meetings with Trump were where, why, what and who when was fine.

Examples

  • But the wording in yesterday's message should raise red flags for any discerning individual, and once again, I ask Greg to clarify.

    Blog text (1)

  • This remark immediately raised red flags in the foreign press.

    Blog text (1)

  • That should raise red flags all over the place!

    Blog text (30)

  • Just in the past few weeks, various observers have raised red flags.

    Blog text (20)

  • Instead, lawmakers cited several instances of issues that raised red flags.

    Blog text (20)

  • These all raise red flags of unhealthy thought patterns that can be damaging to relationships and parenting.

    Blog text (17)

  • This isn't the first time RBK's involvement in city contracts has raised red flags.

    Blog text (24)

  • Don't overlook any inconsistencies across your profiles because they could raise red flags when applying for jobs.

    Blog text (33)

  • The sudden drop in sales raised red flags for the management team, indicating a potential problem.

  • Her unexplained absences began to raise red flags among her colleagues.

Synonyms

to warn
vsto raise red flag
∞ 1.0

Tell someone about possible danger so they can be careful

indicates concern rather than telling people to act now
to alert
vsto raise red flag
255 2.3

To warn someone about a possible danger or problem

signals concern more indirectly rather than urgent direct notice
to caution
vsto raise red flag
92 3.0

To warn someone about danger or problems

signals a concern rather than giving specific advice
to forewarn
vsto raise red flag
14 4.8

Tell someone about possible danger before it happens

signals concern when noticing potential problems later rather than beforehand
to sound a warning bell
vsto raise red flag
4.3

To warn people about a possible danger or serious problem

signals concern more as an internal note than a public alarm
to ring a warning bell
vsto raise red flag
  • Informal
5.4

Make someone think there may be a problem

signals outward indication rather than simply causing private doubt

Antonyms

to ignore
∞ 1.0

Choose not to pay attention to someone or something

to dismiss
332 3.0

To refuse to accept an idea or claim

How Alarming

to alert
255 2.3
to raise red flag
3 4.6
to flag
20 3.7
to notice
∞ 1.0
to mention
∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

raise red flag infinitive
raised red flag past
raised red flag past participle
raising red flag present participle
raises red flag third person singular

Morphology

raise + red + flag

The sense 'to signal a possible problem' is directly inferable from combining 'raise' (to lift/bring up) with 'red' (a color conventionally associated with warning) and 'flag' (a signaling device); the literal image of lifting a red flag to warn is clear. This signaling metaphor is cross‑linguistically and culturally common, so an average B1 learner who knows the constituent words will likely understand the intended meaning.

Etymology

The phrase raise red flag comes from the image of someone lifting (raise) a bright red flag to warn people of danger. So when something 'raises a red flag' today, it shows a possible 'problem' or 'concern'.