dead to rights

phrase

: with no chance of escape or excuse : red-handed
had him dead to rights for the robbery

Examples of dead to rights in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Vikings safety Jay Ward had Dart dead to rights and delivered the crushing blow. — Ryan Gaydos Outkick, FOXNews.com, 16 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dead to rights was in 1858

Rhymes for dead to rights

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Browse Nearby Words

deadtongue
dead to rights
dead to the world
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Cite this Entry

“Dead to rights.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dead%20to%20rights. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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