Unit 8 Crime & Punishnment from "Language Maximiser TOTAL FCE"

[elvis93]

Hi guys!!!
Could you please explain to me the meaning of this idiomatic expressions????

1)be caught red-handed
2)drift into crime
3)be behind cars
4)do time
5)turn a blind eye to
6)turn over a new leaf
7)pull the wool over somebody's eyes
8)a leopard can't change its spots
9)get off scot-free
10)give the game away
11)money for old rope
12)keep to the straight and narrow


Thank you in advance

[Ouisch]

Hi guys!!!
Could you please explain to me the meaning of this idiomatic expressions????

1)be caught red-handed

To be caught in the act of commiting a crime or indiscretion.
"I swear I didn't steal anything from that shop, officer!"
"The security cameras recorded you taking jewelry from the display case and hiding it in your pockets. We've caught you red-handed."

2)drift into crime

To casually begin a life of crime. You once were a law-abiding citizen, working a regular job for an hourly wage, but at some point you realize that you can make more money in less time by selling drugs, or shoplifting, or via some other illegal activity. At first you only break the law occasionally, but eventually you quit your regular job and become a full-time criminal.

3)be behind cars

I'm guessing you mean "behind bars," which means to be in jail.

4)do time

To serve a prison sentence.

turn a blind eye to

To see something against the law or against the rules but not report it.
"Mrs. Smith knew that the teenagers drinking beer at her daughter's party were under the legal drinking age, but she turned a blind eye to it."

6)turn over a new leaf

To make a personal pledge to start life anew; to stop any illegal or destructive behavior and start with a "clean slate."
"Fred used to be an alcoholic, but after he had that car accident and was arrested for drunk driving he's turned over a new leaf. He's joined Alcoholics Anonymous and now counsels people struggling with alcohol addiction."

7)pull the wool over somebody's eyes

To fool or deceive someone; to conceal one's true motives.

8)a leopard can't change its spots

Certain behavior is ingrained; certain behavior is in a person's nature.
"I know he's married, but he says he loves me and that his wife doesn't understand him. He says that after he divorces her he'll marry me."
"Even if he marries you, what makes you think he won't cheat on you like he did with his first wife? After all, a leopard can't change its spots."

9)get off scot-free

To emerge from a situation without any sort of penalty.

10)give the game away

Depends upon the context; usually means to reveal a plan or strategy; to spoil a surprise.

11)money for old rope

An easy way of earning money.

12)keep to the straight and narrow

To follow the rules precisely, to never deviate from the norm.

[elvis93]

Thank you very much :D