Caught red-handed

Definitions

• being caught in the act of committing a crime or wrongdoing
  To describe someone who is caught in the midst of committing a crime or doing something wrong, often with clear and undeniable evidence.

• caught in the act of cheating or lying
  To describe someone who is caught in the act of cheating or lying, usually with clear and undeniable evidence.

• being caught in a compromising or embarrassing situation
  To describe someone who is caught in a compromising or embarrassing situation, often with clear and undeniable evidence.

Examples of Caught red-handed

• The thief was caught red-handed as he was trying to steal the precious antique from the museum.

  This idiom is used when someone is caught in the act of doing something wrong. In this example, the thief was caught while he was in the process of stealing the antique, making it clear that he had no intention of hiding his actions. The phrase "red-handed" implies that there is physical evidence, such as red paint or blood, on the person's hands, making it clear that they have been involved in the crime.

Conclusion

The idiom "caught red-handed" is commonly used to describe someone who is caught in the midst of doing something wrong, often with clear and undeniable evidence. It can refer to a variety of situations, from committing a crime or cheating to simply being caught in an embarrassing moment.

In all cases, the intention of the idiom is to convey the idea of being caught in the act, with little room for denial or excuses. The phrase often implies a sense of guilt or wrongdoing on the part of the person being caught, as well as a sense of being caught in a moment of vulnerability.

Origin of "Caught red-handed"

The origin of the idiom "caught red-handed" can be traced back to Scotland in the 15th century. It was originally used in the Scottish law to describe someone who was caught with blood on their hands, a clear indication of their guilt in a crime.

Over time, the phrase evolved to encompass a wider range of situations, and it eventually became a common idiom in the English language. The term "red-handed" is believed to refer to the literal appearance of someone's hands when they have been caught in the act of a crime, as blood can often be seen on the hands of a perpetrator.

Today, the idiom is used in both formal and informal contexts, and it is widely recognized and understood across different English-speaking countries. Its origin in Scottish law has been largely forgotten, but the phrase still holds its original connotation of being caught in the midst of wrongdoing.