CAUGHT REDHANDED Meaning and
Definition
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The phrase "caught red-handed" is an idiomatic expression that is used to describe the act of catching someone in the act of doing something wrong or illegal, with clear and undeniable evidence of their actions. It signifies the moment of discovering a person engaging in misconduct or criminal behavior that is unmistakable and obvious.
The term "red-handed" takes its origins from the literal image of a person's hands being stained or colored red due to their involvement in criminal activities such as theft or murder, making it difficult for them to deny their culpability. Over time, it has evolved to encompass a broader range of offenses and now refers to being caught in the act of any kind of wrongdoing.
The phrase implies that the individual has been apprehended at the precise moment that they are carrying out the prohibited action, leaving them with little to no chance of denying their involvement or evading the consequences. It suggests that the evidence of their guilt is immediate, undeniable, and conclusive, leaving no room for doubt. This powerful idiom is often used in informal conversations, literature, and legal contexts to emphasize the certainty or audacity of someone's misconduct.
In summary, "caught red-handed" denotes the act of discovering a person in the midst of committing a forbidden act, with irrefutable evidence that leaves no doubt about their culpability.
Common Misspellings for CAUGHT REDHANDED
- caught redd handed
- cauht red handed
- caught red handed
- xaught redhanded
- vaught redhanded
- faught redhanded
- daught redhanded
- czught redhanded
- csught redhanded
- cwught redhanded
- cqught redhanded
- cayght redhanded
- cahght redhanded
- cajght redhanded
- caight redhanded
- ca8ght redhanded
- ca7ght redhanded
- caufht redhanded
- cauvht redhanded
- caubht redhanded
Etymology of CAUGHT REDHANDED
The phrase "caught red-handed" originated in Scotland in the early 15th century and is derived from the Middle English word "redhand", which means having blood on one's hands. In Scotland, there was a specific law known as the "law of red-hand", which stated that any person caught with blood on their hands, meaning they were literally caught immediately after committing a crime, had to face a severe punishment. Over time, the phrase evolved to encompass being caught in the act of any wrongdoing, not just a crime involving bloodshed.
