To Be Caught Red Handed (Origin)

by Craig Shrives

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.

Table of Contents

  • English Proverbs and Idioms Test
  • More Proverbs, Sayings, and Idioms
To Be Caught Red Handed (Origin)

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.

Previous and Next Sayings

English Proverbs and Idioms Test

Ready for the Test?

More Proverbs, Sayings, and Idioms

Help Us Improve Grammar Monster

  • Do you disagree with something on this page?
  • Did you spot a typo?

Find Us Quicker!

  • When using a search engine (e.g., Google, Bing), you will find Grammar Monster quicker if you add #gm to your search term.

See Also

What are idioms? What is figurative language? A list of common grammar errors A list of easily confused words A list of sayings and proverbs