English Idiom – Paint the town red.
To go out and celebrate in a wild, lively way. A big night out with lots of partying, dancing and fun – usually to celebrate something special.
Nobody is actually painting anything! The phrase has been used in American English since the late 1800s, and its exact origin is unknown – but it’s now a favourite across the English-speaking world.
Don’t confuse it with caught red-handed (idiom), which means being caught in the act of doing something wrong.
Usage:
- Making plans for a party or big night out.
- Talking about a great night out you’ve had.
- Celebrating your team winning the championship.
- You’ve just finished your final exams!
Example:
- “It’s the weekend! Let’s get dressed up and go and paint the town red!”
In the News
Spotted in the newsShake off the January blues and paint the town red this weekiol.co.zaWhat is an idiom?
An idiom is a word or phrase that is not taken literally. An idiom is an expression that cannot be understood from the meanings of its individual words, but has a separate meaning of its own.
Frequently Asked Questions
To go out and celebrate in a wild, lively way, usually with lots of partying.
Informal. It is used in everyday conversation about nights out and celebrations.
Test Yourself
What is FunkyEnglish?
FunkyEnglish is a website that helps you improve your English. We offer quick lessons that teach idioms, slang, phrasal verbs and more. Visit our homepage to see our latest articles, or use the menu to find specific content!
