put on the red light
English
editEtymology
editRefers to the fact that a red light is traditionally placed in the windows of sex-related businesses; compare red-light district.
Pronunciation
editAudio (General Australian): (file)
Verb
editput on the red light (third-person singular simple present puts on the red light, present participle putting on the red light, simple past and past participle put on the red light)
- (idiomatic) To advertise oneself as a prostitute.
- 1978, “Roxanne”, performed by The Police:
- Roxanne, you don't have to put on the red light / Those days are over / You don't have to sell your body to the night