Pronunciation: [sˈiː ɹˈɛd] (IPA) 
The phrase "see red" means to become extremely angry. The spelling of "see" is straightforward, pronounced /si/. However, the word "red" has an irregular spelling, pronounced /rɛd/. The sound represented by "e" in "red" is often pronounced as a short "i" sound in other words (like "bed" or "led"), but in "red" it is pronounced as a short "e" sound. This is an example of the complexities of English spelling and pronunciation.
To "see red" is an idiomatic phrase often used to describe a strong and immediate feeling of intense anger or rage. The expression derives from the physical reaction of blood rushing to the face, causing a reddening of the skin, which commonly occurs when a person gets angry or upset.
This expression implies that the person has reached a tipping point, where their anger becomes almost uncontrollable, leading to a loss of rationality and the potential for an outburst of aggressive behavior. When someone "sees red," their emotions overpower their ability to think clearly, resulting in a heightened state of fury.
"Seeing red" can be triggered by a variety of circumstances, such as feeling betrayed, being subjected to injustice or unfairness, or experiencing a surge of frustration. It signifies an intense emotional response that can overwhelm a person's ability to remain calm and composed.
This idiom can also be used metaphorically to describe a mental state characterized by extreme anger, even if there is no visible physical indication. It highlights the intensity of the individual's emotional reaction and evokes a vivid image of a person's face turning red with rage.
Overall, "seeing red" is a vivid and evocative idiomatic expression that effectively conveys a profound and uncontrolled anger, reflecting the physical response of blood rushing to the face in a moment of intense fury.
The phrase "see red" originated in the late 19th century and is believed to have come from a metaphorical association between the color red and intense anger or rage. When a person becomes extremely angry, their blood pressure rises and their face may flush, appearing red. This physiological reaction likely led to the expression "see red" as a way to describe the feeling of becoming enraged, where it's as if everything one sees is tainted by the color red. The phrase has since become a common idiomatic expression to convey intense anger or rage.
