Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
catch someone red-handed
idiom
/kæʧ ˈsʌmwʌn ˈrɛd ˈhændɪd/
Definition
To catch a person in the act of doing something wrong or illegal.
Examples
- The thief was caught red-handed while trying to steal a car.
- She didn’t expect to be caught red-handed when her parents walked in on her after sneaking out.
Meaning
This phrase means to discover someone in the midst of committing a crime or an unethical act, often with clear evidence of their wrongdoing.
Synonyms
- caught in the act
- caught out
- caught off guard