code red

noun3

1. •
   (US, Canada) The condition on the occurrence of a fire at the medical facility.
2. •
   (figurative) A condition of immediate urgency.

   • Although ChatGPT still has plenty of room for improvement, its release led Google’s management to declare a “code red.” For Google, this was akin to pulling the fire alarm. — 2022
3. •
   (US, Canada) An extrajudicial punishment.