Have you ever caught someone in the middle of doing something wrong? Perhaps you watched news coverage of a thief being caught in the middle of their thievery? If so, then the phrase caught red-handed is an apt phrase to explain the situation. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
Being caught red-handed means that you have been found in the act of doing something. The term red-handed means that the act was illegal or wrong, however, it can also be used in a different way. Caught red-handed can also mean that a person has been found to be doing something that provides clear evidence as to their guilt or wrongdoing. A person who is found to be preparing to commit a wrongdoing or illegal act, but has not followed through can also be considered as caught red-handed.
Though most people consider being caught red-handed to be exclusive to illegal activity, it can be used otherwise. For example, if a person is planning a surprise but gets discovered early, they would have been caught red-handed. It is important to understand the context when using the phrase. This will prevent innocuous actions from being assumed as bad or dubious. More information can be found in the video (here).
Example Usage
“They caught the killer red-handed since he was on his way to dump the body”.
“The security guard caught the team of booster’s red-handed with backpacks full of stolen goods”.
“A peeping tom was arrested last night after being caught red-handed outside of the woman’s locker room”.
“I literally caught you red-handed, my watch is on your arm right now, I see the broken strap!”
Origin
The phrase caught red-handed originated in Scotland around the 15th century. It was originally used to mean a person was caught poaching an animal, or in the act of committing a murder. The red in red-handed is the blood of the victim in question. The earliest that the phrase was found in written text is 1432. During this time, King James I was ruler and the phrase was found in documents from the Scottish Acts of Parliament. The phrase was commonly used during legal proceedings in Scotland when the accused was considered to be caught in the act, or with a “red hand”.
In the 19th century, the phrase morphed into what we use today. One of the earliest versions of the phrase is found in Ivanhoe, by Sir Walter Scott. It was written - “I did but tie one fellow, who was taken red-handed and in the fact, to the horns of a wild stag.” This is one of the main reasons the phrase was able to spread across the English-speaking world so readily.
Phrases Similar to Caught Red Handed
- Bang to rights
- Caught in flagrante
- Found out
- Caught with your pants down
- Caught in the act
- Hand in the cookie jar
- Caught in the act
Phrases Opposite to Caught Red Handed
- Above suspicion
- In the clear
- Immune
- Innocent
- Not guilty
- Blameless
What is the Correct Saying?
- The correct saying is – caught red-handed.
Ways People May Incorrectly Say Caught Red Handed
Some ways that Caught Red Handed is used incorrectly are:
- We really don’t know who did it, after all, John was caught red-handed.
- I think that color looks great, you are totally caught red-handed.
- We will need proof and corroboration if we catch them red-handed.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Caught Red Handed
Some ways that Caught Red Handed is used correctly are:
- Jane was caught red-handed while cheating on her diet.
- My girlfriend walked up to me and another woman at the club, she caught me red-handed while I was cheating.
- Her breath smells like liquor, which means she was caught red-handed drinking.
- I am not sure how to go about catching my teacher red-handed, he is very clever.