caught red-handed
Say it: caught red-HAN-did /ˌkɔːt ˌrɛdˈhændɪd/ · idiom
What “caught red-handed” means
Discovered while doing something wrong.
More precisely: Caught in the act of doing something wrong.
Example: “The flatmate stealing my yoghurts was caught red-handed.”
When to use it
When someone is discovered doing the wrong thing, with clear evidence. Informal, often playful for minor mischief.
Similar words
caught in the act, caught out
Where it comes from
From old Scottish law: caught with the victim's blood still on your hands.
Quick check
Your sister walks in just as you secretly take sweets from her private stash. You have been…
caught red-handed or under suspicion?
Show the answer
caught red-handed
Learn 5 new words a day in Kinquire. Each with a picture, how to say it, an example and a quick check, then spaced review so you actually keep them. Free to start.
Learn “caught red-handed”