To get hold of a person or situation, while a wrong act is being carried out

Etymology:

  • In the beginning this expression was used to describe a murder scene. In earlier times, when a person was killing someone and was caught right at the spot, with blood on his hands, that person was actually known to be caught red handed. Later, the meaning of this saying was broadened and it was used to describe any sort of wrong doing.
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The advisors were caught red-handed, while they were ordering the arrest of peaceful protestors.

Submitted on February 25, 2019

Additional definitions for 'Catch Someone Red-Handed':

catch someone red-handedTo discover or capture someone in the act of committing a crime.
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    "Catch Someone Red-Handed." Phrases.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 26 Apr. 2024. <https://www.phrases.com/phrase/catch-someone-red-handed_44552>.

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