Street
bang to rights
What does bang to rights mean?
Caught in the act with no possible defence; certain to be convicted.
"They had him on CCTV — bang to rights."
Origin
Long-standing British criminal slang, meaning caught fairly and squarely.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'bang to rights' mean?
Caught red-handed with no possible defence, and certain to be convicted, as in 'they had him on CCTV, bang to rights.'
Where does 'bang to rights' come from?
It is long-standing British criminal slang meaning caught fairly and squarely, with the evidence undeniable.
Can 'bang to rights' be used outside crime?
Yes, it is often used loosely to mean someone has been caught out or proven wrong beyond argument.
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