Caught Red-Handed
A
caller asked about the phrase, “caught red-handed.” Currently, it means to be caught in the very
act of committing a crime. Given the circumstances, there is no possibility of
pleading innocent.
It
seems to have arisen in Scotland somewhere around the 15th century.
Originally, it meant to be caught with blood on one’s hands. This could happen
while poaching — a very serious offense, especially on royal property—or while
committing a murder. To be caught with the victim’s blood still on your
murderous hands would be a slam dunk for the prosecutor.
Here’s
a quote from Sir George Mackenzie's A
discourse upon the laws and customs of Scotland in matters criminal,
1674: "If he be not taken red-hand the sheriff cannot proceed against
him."
It also shows up in Spenser’s Faerie
Queene II. iii. 47: “He
might, for memory of that daye's ruth, Be called Ruddymaine [i.e. red-handed].
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