red-handed

[red-han-did] / ˈrɛdˈhæn dɪd /

ADJECTIVE

caught in the act

Synonyms

WEAK

blatantly guilty in a compromising position openly

ADJECTIVE

in the act of committing crime

Synonyms

WEAK

blatantly caught in flagrante delicto openly

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Mark Joseph Stern: Well, the Justice Department already got caught red-handed lying in this case once before.

From Slate • Nov. 15, 2025

One way local authorities catch sellers red-handed is by sending undercover teenagers into shops across England.

From BBC • May 6, 2025

PUTIN’S QUOTE: “He was caught red-handed when he was secretly getting classified information.”

From Seattle Times • Feb. 9, 2024

The Kremlin said he was caught "red-handed" but has provided no detail to support the assertion.

From Reuters • Aug. 24, 2023

He was caught red-handed, holding the chewed-up two dollars in his front legs.

From "The Cricket in Times Square" by George Selden