in the red

[in the red] {adv.} or {adj. phr.}, {informal} In an unprofitableway; so as to lose money.

A large number of American radio stationsoperate in the red.

A rich man who has a farm or ranch often runsit in the red, but makes his money with his factory or business.

Contrast: IN THE BLACK. (From the fact that people who keep businessrecords usually write in red ink how much money they lose and in blackink how much money they gain.)