red flags
Signs of trouble
Red flags are warning signs that something is wrong or potentially dangerous.
The term comes from the literal use of red flags to signal danger or stop, as on railroads or beaches.
In relationships and business, red flags are behaviors or circumstances that suggest trouble ahead: His constant criticism of her friends was a red flag.
The phrase has become especially common in dating contexts, where people discuss red flags as reasons to end or avoid a relationship.
- alertsWarning notifications
- warningsAdvance notices of danger
- concernsSources of worry
- signalsConveyed indications
- alarmUrgent warning signal
caution · proceed with caution · indicators · triggers · hints · whistleblower protection · misrepresentation · breach of trust · abuse of power · bellwether · too good to be true · omen · beware · fraud prevention · peculation · communist · insurance fraud · embezzlement
- Deception Cluestelltale signs, warning signs, shifty eyes, stammering, fidgeting
- red flagswarning signs, warning, caution, alarm, alert
- threat awarenessdanger sense, threat detection, hazard awareness, vigilance, alertness
- deal killerslack of trust, broken promises, contract disputes
- domestic abusedomestic violence, battering, batterer, spousal abuse, wife beating
- cult awarenesscults, deprogramming, brainwashing, mind control, coercive control
red flagsgreen lights
Signals indicating permission
green flags · all-clear · thumbs up · seal of approval · stamp of approval
red flagsgreen lights
Signals indicating permission
green flags · reassurances · thumbs up · seals of approval · stamps of approval
red flagsgreen flags
Positive warning signs
selling points · strong points · virtues · merits · assets
red, flag, flags, flagging, flagged, unflagging, white flag, red flag, checkered flag