Meanings
US, 1854, originally New York City criminal slang,[1] thence entered general use. dead (“completely, utterly”) + to rights (“properly”).
How to pronounce "dead to rights":
AU
With sufficient evidence to establish responsibility definitively.
Example: "have someone dead to rights on something"
Example Sentences
1
The detective caught the thief dead to rights with stolen merchandise in his bag.
2
The prosecution presented evidence that caught the suspect dead to rights at the crime scene.
3
The security camera footage showed the burglars entering the house dead to rights.
4
She was caught dead to rights when her fingerprints were found on the murder weapon.
5
The auditors discovered the employee embezzling funds dead to rights.
