CAUGHT
ADJECTIVES
E17.. ► IN FLAGRANTE caught in the act, generally of sexual intercourse → sl.
1649 ► CAPTABLE able or open to be caught or taken → obs.
1872 ► NABBED IN THE HOCK caught in the very act → Amer. sl.
20C.. ► BANGED TO RIGHTS caught in the act, caught red-handed → sl., orig. US, esp. criminals’ usage
1904 ► BANG TO RIGHTS caught in the act, caught red-handed → sl.
1954 ► GONE caught → Aust. sl.
NOUNS
1839 ► CATCHEE a person who is caught
PHRASES
1940 ► CAUGHT RED-HANDY having been caught in the act of doing something wrong or illegal → Amer. dial.
VERBS
M19. ► JACKET to be caught in the act → US criminals’ sl.
1872 ► NAB IN THE HOCK to be caught in the act → US criminals’ sl.
1935 ► HAVE ONE BY THE SHORT AND CURLIES to have caught him properly → army sl.
1980 ► BAG UP to be caught or arrested by the police → UK & US sl.
Lexicophilia 