Search
Select the dictionary language
to catch somebody with one's hand in the cookie jar
[have] {one's} [hand] in the cookie jar
to catch somebody with one's hand in the cookie jar
01
to catch someone in the act of doing something wrong or inappropriate
Dialect
American
American![to [catch] {sb} with {one's} [hand] in the cookie jar definition and meaning](https://cdn.langeek.co/photo/43248/original/?type=jpeg "to [catch] {sb} with {one's} [hand] in the cookie jar definition and meaning")
Humorous
Idiom
Informal
What is the origin of the idiom "catch someone with their hand in the cookie jar" and when to use it?
The idiom "catch someone with their hand in the cookie jar" is originated from the act of sneaking cookies or sweets from a jar without permission. This expression is often used when someone is caught red-handed engaging in an activity they shouldn't be.
Examples
A lot of people had their hands in the cookie jar at the company.
