Have dead to rights Meaning in English
expression
Definición
To catch someone in the act of doing something wrong, especially with clear evidence so that there is no doubt they are guilty.
Uso & Matices
This expression is informal and usually used in legal or detective contexts, or when someone is caught beyond dispute (for example, stealing). Often follows 'to' (e.g., 'have him dead to rights'). Not used for minor mistakes—implies serious proof.
Oraciones de Ejemplo
We have dead to rights; he was caught stealing the money.
basic
The police had the suspect dead to rights when they found the stolen watch in his bag.
basic
If you lie, and they have you dead to rights, you can't deny it.
basic
We had him dead to rights—there was a video of the whole thing.
natural
Don’t worry, we have her dead to rights—there’s no way she can get out of this.
natural
Once they saw the emails, they had me dead to rights.
natural