# red-handed

/ˈɹɛˈdhændəd/ (US) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/red-handed
Updated: 2026-08-24

## Definition

caught while doing something wrong or illegal. You use this phrase when someone is discovered at the exact moment of their crime or mistake.

For teachers: caught in the act of committing an offence or doing something wrong. Typically used predicatively after verbs like 'caught' or 'find'.

## Examples

- The thief was caught red-handed.
- The accountant was caught red-handed transferring funds to his personal account during a routine audit.
- The journalist had hoped to expose corruption through careful investigation, but the official was caught red-handed by security cameras before any story could be published.

## Usage notes

- Almost always used predicatively after 'caught' or 'find' — rarely appears before a noun.

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