What does “Caught Red-Handed” mean?
"Caught Red-Handed" means being caught in the act of doing something wrong or illegal.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The thief was caught red-handed stealing from the store.
Example
He was caught red-handed cheating on the exam.
Example
The employee was caught red-handed embezzling money from the company
Is “Caught Red-Handed” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Caught Red-Handed” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Caught Red-Handed” effectively in context?
You can use "Caught Red-Handed" to describe someone being caught in the act of doing something wrong or illegal. It emphasizes the idea of being caught in the midst of the action, with clear evidence of guilt. For example, if you see someone stealing from a store, you might say, 'I caught him red-handed with the stolen merchandise.'
- 1Crime
The thief was caught red-handed stealing from the store.
- 2Academics
He was caught red-handed cheating on the exam.
- 3Workplace
The employee was caught red-handed embezzling money from the company.
Similar phrases to “Caught Red-Handed”:
Red-handed
Being caught in the act of doing something wrong or illegal
Example
She was caught red-handed stealing office supplies.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Caught Red-Handed” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Caught Red-Handed" is unknown.
Is “Caught Red-Handed” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Caught Red-Handed" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe situations where someone is caught in the act of doing something wrong or illegal.
What tone does “Caught Red-Handed” have?
"Caught Red-Handed" conveys a tone of surprise, disappointment, and exposure. It implies that the person being caught has been caught in the act and there is clear evidence of their wrongdoing.
Can “Caught Red-Handed” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Caught Red-Handed" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that describes a specific situation of being caught in the act. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as reports, presentations, or legal discussions.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The thief was caught red-handed stealing from the store.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'He was "caught red-handed"!' to imply that someone has been caught doing something wrong or illegal.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- nabbed
- busted
- apprehended
- taken in the act
- found guilty
Antonyms
- innocent
- uninvolved
- cleared
- exonerated
- not guilty
