red zone

[ red zohn ]

noun

1. Football. an unofficial term for the area at either end of the field between the 20-yard line and the goal line, considered critical for defense: Compare end zone ( def 1 ).

   The team’s top-notch defense has allowed opponents to score a touchdown on only 39 percent of trips inside the red zone.

2. an area colored red on a dial or other instrument of measurement, alerting the viewer to unsafe conditions when the needle or indicator enters it:

   To avoid engine damage, do not run the engine with the tachometer needle in the red zone!

3. a restricted area, sometimes specially labeled or marked with red:

   Do not enter the red zone without donning proper PPE.

4. any range of conditions considered unsafe or likely to generate serious problems, such as for physical or financial health:

   Watch that you don’t end up in the red zone with all that stress and so little sleep.

   Some countries are so far into the red zone with debt that marginal changes in repayment terms make no difference.

Word History and Origins

Origin of red zone¹

First recorded in 1940–45; 1970–75 red zone fordef 1

Example Sentences

On the next play, running back Quinten Joyner rolled for 23 more yards, leaving USC right outside of the red zone.

From Los Angeles Times

But this week, against one of the best red zone teams in the nation, USC won’t be able to get away with squandering such golden opportunities.

From Los Angeles Times

“When they get in the red zone, it’s really all about him,” Lynn said.

From Los Angeles Times

Three trips deep into the red zone had come up short.

From Los Angeles Times

Just 35% of red zone trips under Lynn ended in touchdowns, while 75% of those trips have ended in touchdowns this year.

From Los Angeles Times