Definition & Meaning of "Catch with hand in the cookie jar"

catch sb with one's hand in the cookie jar

/kˈatʃ ˌɛsbˈiː wɪð wˈɒnz hˈand ɪnðə kˈʊki dʒˈɑː/

/kˈætʃ ˌɛsbˈiː wɪð wˈʌnz hˈænd ɪnðə kˈʊki dʒˈɑːɹ/

to catch sb with one's hand in the cookie jar

PHRASE

to catch someone in the act of doing something wrong or inappropriate

to [catch] {sb} with {one's} [hand] in the cookie jar definition and meaning

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.