a red-letter day

Are you using the idiom a red-letter day but not sure about its meaning? Using idioms, which are important elements of spoken and written language, in the right place strengthens your language skills. Examine the meaning of the a red-letter day idiom and the situations in which it is used.

Meaning of "a red-letter day"

Meaning

The phrase “a red letter day” is generally used to refer to a day that is special, memorable, or potentially significant. It is often used to refer to a day that is particularly happy, successful, or important. It is derived from the practice of marking holy days in old almanacs with red letters, making them stand out from other days.

Etymology

The phrase “a red letter day” traces its roots to the practice of marking holy days in old almanacs with red letters, making them stand out from other days. This practice was based on an old superstition that red was a color associated with good luck and success, as well as symbolizing joy and celebration. Red letter days were used to mark special days, like public holidays, religious celebrations, and anniversaries. The phrase “red letter day” was likely derived from this practice, as it was used to refer to days that were particularly happy, successful, or important.

Usage

The phrase “a red letter day” is typically used to express a feeling of excitement and optimism. It is often used to refer to a day that is particularly happy, successful, or important, such as a wedding day, the day a child is born, or the day when an important goal is achieved. The phrase is also often used to refer to days that are exciting and potentially life-changing, such as the day a job offer is accepted, the day a new house is bought, or the day a long-awaited vacation starts.

Example Sentences

• Today is a red letter day! I just got a job offer from my dream company.
• Tomorrow is our 10th wedding anniversary – it’s sure to be a red letter day!
• The day I moved to New York was definitely a red letter day.
• My parents’ 50th wedding anniversary was a red letter day for our family.

The Global Spread of English Idioms

As English has become a global language, its idioms have spread far beyond the borders of the UK and USA. For instance, the idiom "beat around the bush" has equivalents in many other languages, such as "tourner autour du pot" in French and "dar vueltas al asunto" in Spanish. Meanwhile, other idioms have been adapted for local contexts, such as the Russian idiom "?? ???? ???????" (ne svoya rubashka), which translates to "not one's own shirt," meaning to be in an uncomfortable or unfamiliar situation.