Meaning and Origin of "Caught Red Handed"

This is another in a series of articles that discuss the meaning and origin of commonly used phrases. This article will discuss the phrase, caught red handed. The phrase, caught red handed, is used quite often to describe catching someone in the act of wrongdoing. This phrase is commonly used today, but you may be surprised to learn of the possible origins of the phrase caught red handed. If you have ever wondered the origin or meaning of commonly used phrases this series of articles is for you. I have researched this phrase to find out its origin. Read on to learn what I have discovered.

There are several accounts of what historians believe to be the origin of the phrase caught red handed. The exact origin is not clear, however, most of them provide a plausible explanation of the phrase. There are some, though, that just don't hold water.

Some historians believe that Caught red handed likely originated in the 15th century in Scotland. This term was used to describe someone who had committed murder and was found with the victim's blood still on his or her hands. The original phrase was likely, taken red handed and was used to describe someone who take arrested while attempting to commit murder.

Some historians believe the phrase originated between 800 and 900 B.C. During this era, people of the Indus Valley would determine a thief's guilt or innocence by placing the accused person's hand on an axe blade that had been heated until the metal was glowing red.

Another possible origin is derived from the Japanese. The Japanese would brush the sap from poison ivy on their money. If the money was stolen, the thief would break out into a rash, thus they would be caught red handed.

I also found a less likely account that describes the dye bombs that banks put into bags if they are robbed. While this would surely leave someone red handed, this cannot be the origin of the phrase. This phrase is documented as far back as the 15th century, I doubt the authenticity of this account.

Regardless of the origin that you prefer, the meaning is clear. To be caught red handed is to be caught in the act, or with evidence of wrongdoing. This author has written a series of articles on popular phrases, to read more click on the author's name at the top of this page. Feel free to leave your comments.