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dead to rights
01
in a situation where there is clear proof of one's crime or wrongdoing
Dialect
American
American
Idiom
Informal
What is the origin of the idiom "dead to rights" and when to use it?
The origin of the idiom "dead to rights" is believed to be rooted in American English, and it has been in use since the early 20th century. It is typically used in informal or colloquial language, particularly in discussions related to law enforcement, crime, or situations involving catching someone in the act.
Examples
The security footage caught him dead to rights taking money from the drawer.
