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."
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.2)drift into crime
I'm guessing you mean "behind bars," which means to be in jail.3)be behind cars
To serve a prison sentence.4)do time
To see something against the law or against the rules but not report it.turn a blind eye to
"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."
To make a personal pledge to start life anew; to stop any illegal or destructive behavior and start with a "clean slate."6)turn over a new leaf
"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."
To fool or deceive someone; to conceal one's true motives.7)pull the wool over somebody's eyes
Certain behavior is ingrained; certain behavior is in a person's nature.8)a leopard can't change its spots
"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."
To emerge from a situation without any sort of penalty.9)get off scot-free
Depends upon the context; usually means to reveal a plan or strategy; to spoil a surprise.10)give the game away
An easy way of earning money.11)money for old rope
To follow the rules precisely, to never deviate from the norm.12)keep to the straight and narrow

Student or Learner
Bookmarks