A Red Flag

Question

In English, a 'red flag' is a warning sign, an indication that a situation or person warrants at least caution.

Does a similar phrase exist in Spanish?

Answer 1

Since no one is answering:

According to word reference:

http://tinyurl.com/l7eoeo6

red flag n figurative (danger sign) toque de atención nm Drinking more than four beers every evening is a definite red flag for alcoholism. Tomar más de cuatro cervezas cada tarde es definitivamente un toque de atención por alcoholismo.

red flag n figurative (provocation) señal de alarma nf His constant complaining was acting as a red flag to me. Sus constantes quejas eran una señal de alarma para mí.

Linguee translates a number of ways:

http://www.linguee.com/english-spanish/translation/raise+a+red+flag.html

They include advertencia, alerta roja, and “bandera roja” but the options vary, and I expect regional understanding would differ.

Ah, interesting. Of course in Spanish there would be the second meaning, provocation, as that is how they provoke the poor bulls. But for a sign of caution or danger, no figurative equivalent. Thanks! - quesarahsarah, Apr 10, 2015