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.

The Russian authorities say the American was "caught red-handed" with "classified information".

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2024

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

Even more painful is that this is not the first—or second—time that Clarence Thomas has been caught red-handed.

From Slate • May 24, 2023

One evening Paixão Paishon caught Julio red-handed stealing from the boxes of rations.

From "Death on the River of Doubt" by Samantha Seiple