To Be Caught Red Handed (Origin)

What Is the Origin of the Saying "To Be Caught Red Handed"?

To be caught red-handed is to be caught in the act of committing a crime with evidence for all to see. It is simply a reference to having blood on your hands after carrying out a crime such as a murder or poaching. The term originates from Scotland from as early as the late 17 Century.

Examples of Use:

• He was caught red-handed stealing money from the cash register.
• She denied eating the cookies, but her crumb-covered hands gave her away – she was caught red-handed.
• They were caught red-handed cheating on the exam when their notes were found hidden in their backpack.
• The security camera footage showed him caught red-handed vandalizing the property.
• She was caught red-handed trying to sneak out of the house past curfew.

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