run a red light
/rʌn ə red laɪt/
Meaning
This phrase means to drive through an intersection when the traffic light is red instead of stopping. It is an illegal and dangerous driving action.
Examples
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He got a heavy fine because he decided to run a red light.
He got a heavy fine because he decided to run a red light.
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The police officer pulled her over for running a red light.
The police officer pulled her over for running a red light.
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It is never worth it to run a red light just to save a few minutes.
It is never worth it to run a red light just to save a few minutes.
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A camera captured the moment the driver ran a red light.
A camera captured the moment the driver ran a red light.
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I had to slam on my brakes when the car in front of me ran a red light.
I had to slam on my brakes when the car in front of me ran a red light.
Common Mistakes
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✗ He passed a red light.
✓ He ran a red light.
While 'pass' makes literal sense, native speakers almost always use the verb 'run' for this traffic violation.
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✗ It is illegal to go through red light.
✓ It is illegal to run a red light.
Always use the article 'a' before 'red light' in this idiomatic phrase.
Related Expressions
Practice
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The driver was distracted and didn't see the signal, causing him to ___.
💡 Drive through a red traffic signal.
Show answer
run a red light
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If you ___, you might cause a serious accident.
💡 Fail to stop at a red light.
Show answer
run a red light