English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Red-handed
Meaning
The idiom "red-handed" means that someone has been caught doing something wrong or illegal, often by being caught with evidence of their guilt on their hands. The term refers to the color of blood, which may be associated with a violent act or a murder. The figurative meaning of the idiom is that someone has been proven guilty or has been exposed for committing a crime or doing something wrong.
Usage
- The CEO was red-handed in embezzling company funds and was arrested by the police.
- The detective found a red-handed murder weapon at the crime scene, which implicated the suspect.
- The whistleblower provided evidence that proved the manager was red-handed in his decision to fire employees illegally.
- The journalist uncovered a red-handed bribery scheme involving government officials.
- The hacker managed to bypass security measures and access sensitive information, leaving a digital fingerprint or red-handed evidence of their crime. The usage of the idiom can vary depending on the context. In some cases, it can be used literally to describe a physical act, while in others, it can be used metaphorically to describe a situation or an action that has led to a negative outcome.
Roots and History
The phrase "red-handed" dates back to the Middle Ages when blood was often referred to as "red ink." It is believed to have originated in England during the 14th century, when murder was punishable by death. If a person was found guilty of murder, their hands would be dipped in ink and marked with the letter "M" to indicate that they had been executed for "murder." Over time, the term "red-handed" has come to be used more broadly to refer to any situation where someone is caught committing a crime or doing something wrong.
Synonyms in English
- Caught with their pants down
- Busted
- Nabbed
- Brought to heel
- Exposed
Synonyms in other languages
- In French, "rouge de main" (red-handed) and "sous main" (underhanded) are similar expressions that can be used to describe someone who is caught doing something wrong.
- In Spanish, "manos rojas" (red hands) and "con mano sucia" (with dirty hands) are expressions that convey a similar meaning.
- In German, "rotgefärbt" (red-stained or red-tainted) and "verkrimmt" (criminal or unlawful) can be used to describe someone who has been caught doing something wrong.