idioms caught red-handed

to be caught red-handed

To be caught in the act of committing a crime or wrongdoing

to cry wolf

To raise a false alarm or give a false warning

to get away with murder

To escape punishment for a serious offense or wrongdoing

to be in hot water

To be in trouble or facing a difficult situation due to one's actions

to be on the lam

To be on the run or fleeing from the authorities to avoid capture

to cook the books

To falsify financial records or accounts in order to deceive or commit fraud

to be in the line of fire

To be in a position where one is subject to criticism

to lay down the law

To assert authority or enforce rules in a strict or authoritative manner

to throw the book at someone

To charge someone with as many crimes or offenses as possible and seek the harshest penalties available

to bury the hatchet

To make peace or resolve a conflict

to be in the hot seat

To be in a situation where one is under suspicion or being interrogated

under the radar

To operate secretly or avoid detection

close to the vest

To keep information secret or withhold important details

to jump bail

To flee or run away while awaiting trial

to be above the law

Someone believes they are exempt from following the rules or laws that others are expected to follow

to blow the whistle

This means to expose wrongdoing or unethical behaviour

to come clean

Admitting the truth or confessing to something that was previously hidden or kept secret

to cover your tracks

Hide or conceal evidence of their actions in order to avoid detection or responsibility

to do something by the book

To follow rules

to do time

Serving a prison sentence for a crime that was committed

to face the music

When someone faces the consequences of their actions

to get a slap on the wrist

To receive a mild or lenient punishment for a wrongdoing

to have a run-in with the law

When someone encounters a conflict or negative interaction with law enforcement or legal authorities

to keep your nose clean

To stay out of trouble and avoid engaging in illegal or unethical activities

to point the finger at someone

When someone accuses or blames another person for something

to put/remain behind bars

To be in prison

to rat on someone

To snitch on someone

to spill the beans

To reveal a secret or confidential information

to take the law into your own hands

The act of seeking justice or revenge without involving legal authorities

to take the rap for something

When someone takes the blame or responsibility for something