Bang to rights
adverb
When someone is caught doing something wrong, with no chance of denying it.
The police caught him in the act, stealing the car. He was bang to rights.
Often appears as...
- caught bang to rights
- have someone bang to rights
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
adverb
When someone is caught doing something wrong, with no chance of denying it.
The police caught him in the act, stealing the car. He was bang to rights.
Often appears as...
- caught bang to rights
- have someone bang to rights
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3British Origin
The phrase is specifically British and used in UK contexts, not commonly understood by American English speakers.
She was caught bang to rights over the missing money, mate.
Pro Tip 2/3Unmistakable Guilt
Use the phrase to express that someone’s wrongdoing is clear and uncontested, akin to being caught in the act.
They had the evidence – he was bang to rights.
Pro Tip 3/3Colloquial Usage
It’s informal slang, suitable for casual conversations but not for formal writing or speeches.
Did you hear? Joe was bang to rights for skipping class.
Pro Tip 1/3British Origin
The phrase is specifically British and used in UK contexts, not commonly understood by American English speakers.
She was caught bang to rights over the missing money, mate.
Pro Tip 2/3Unmistakable Guilt
Use the phrase to express that someone’s wrongdoing is clear and uncontested, akin to being caught in the act.
They had the evidence – he was bang to rights.
Pro Tip 3/3Colloquial Usage
It’s informal slang, suitable for casual conversations but not for formal writing or speeches.
Did you hear? Joe was bang to rights for skipping class.
Pro Tip 1/3British Origin
The phrase is specifically British and used in UK contexts, not commonly understood by American English speakers.
She was caught bang to rights over the missing money, mate.
Pro Tip 2/3Unmistakable Guilt
Use the phrase to express that someone’s wrongdoing is clear and uncontested, akin to being caught in the act.
They had the evidence – he was bang to rights.
Pro Tip 3/3Colloquial Usage
It’s informal slang, suitable for casual conversations but not for formal writing or speeches.
Did you hear? Joe was bang to rights for skipping class.
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