Caught Red-Handed
At this time of year, it is important to wear suntan lotion. Today, I went for a long walk. I was smart and I put suntan lotion on my arms, legs, and neck. However, I forgot to put lotion on my hands. Now, my hands are red.
My story doesn’t have anything to do with the meaning of ‘caught red-handed’ but my hands are RED today. Getting caught red-handed means that you were caught in the act. Someone saw you doing something illegal or wrong. The phrase is usually used to talk about theft but can also be extended to other wrongful acts.
Example (theft): I tried to steal some dahlias, but the store clerk saw me. She caught me red-handed.
Example (wrongful act): They caught her red-handed trying to sell drugs.
Red-handed dates back to 1432 in Scottish Acts of Parliament of James I. It is an allusion to having blood on your hands after committing murder or illegal poaching. The person is caught so quickly after the murder that they still have the blood on their hands. The meaning has basically remained the same except that now, it refers to witnessing the event rather than substantial evidence.
BONUS: Incorrect origins
In 2018, Atlanta (TV show) claimed that the phrase is racist and refers to Native American thieves. Racial groups are sometimes organized by colors; white (Caucasian), black, or yellow (Asian). Native Americans are said to be red skinned. The term redskin can be problematic though. Recently an American football team changed their name (Washington Redskins) after receiving a lot of public criticism over their name.
Another incorrect origin comes from Irish province of Ulster. There is a myth that there was a race to shore. The winner would become the new mayor. One of the contestants cut off his hand and threw it to shore to secure the win.
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Reference:
https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/caught-red-handed.html
https://www.thewrap.com/atlanta-fact-check-is-the-phrase-caught-red-handed-actually-racist/
https://books.google.co.kr/books?id=0HgDAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA1&dq=Scottish+Acts+of+Parliament+1432&hl=en&sa=X&ei=BiO8T-uYEMTC2QXY5NVx&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false
