A dictionary of Confusable Phrases: More Than 10,000 Idioms and Collocations

Red Cross, the • red cross
Red Cross, the —an international organization bringing relief
to victims of war or natural disaster: The Red Cross woman
brought me khaki trousers, skivvy shirt and a left shoe.
red cross —the emblem of an ambulance service: A Daimler
scout car, flying a red cross, was moving and halting … col-
lecting wounded.
red fever • red light fever
red fever —
1
. an infectious disease with fever, headache, and
rash, transmitted by rat fleas (Xenopsylla cheopis): Sick with red
fever, John Lodi and his children do not catch up to Lafayette
in Indian Territory until six months later. 2. (U.S., euph.) a
sympathy to Communism, especially in the 
1
950s: He went
underground and became part of the movement. He got the
red fever; for five years he really believed it was the answer.
Note:
The expression is not equivalent in meaning to the phrase
scarlet fever
—
1
. an infectious disease caused by streptococcus
bacteria and characterized by a sore throat, fever, and a sand-
paper-like rash on reddened skin: Scarlet fever is predominantly
a disease found in children. 2. (UK ironic, dated) a passion for
soldiers (with reference to their scarlet uniforms): Nurse-maids
are always ready to succumb to the “scarlet fever.” A red coat
is all powerful with this class.
red light fever—
1
. nervousness in front of a live microphone
or video camera: Obviously, the singer had red light fever.
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red fever

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The producer should have given that guy some sort of comfort
level. 2. seeking media attention: She seems to have forgotten
that her job is to report the news, not to make it. …the lady
is suffering from what’s known in the trade as red light fever.
3. a tendency to have a false start during a car race or to run
a red light: If you noticed, both of the trucks in the finals had
red light fever, but Dennis’ came on first which made Bob the
winner.