Question

Catch Someone Red-Handed to catch someone in the act of doing something wrong

Accepted Answer

Ashley's brother was caught red-handed at the scene of the crime. At first this expression referred to someone caught in the middle of a murder with blood on his or her hands ("red-handed"). Later the saying grew to mean any kind of wrongdoing, not just a criminal action. If you were nabbed sneaking one of your grandmother's freshly baked brownies, for instance, your fingers might be covered with chocolate, but you'd still be caught "red-handed."

Idiom	Catch Someone Red-Handed
Example	Ashley's brother was caught red-handed at the scene of the crime.
Meaning	to catch someone in the act of doing something wrong
Origin	At first this expression referred to someone caught in the middle of a murder with blood on his or her hands ("red-handed"). Later the saying grew to mean any kind of wrongdoing, not just a criminal action. If you were nabbed sneaking one of your grandmother's freshly baked brownies, for instance, your fingers might be covered with chocolate, but you'd still be caught "red-handed."

Caught Catch Red Handed Ashley's Brother Scene Crime Act