Meaning
Nabbed doing something wrong, mid-move.
Origin
From 15th-century England, tied to law; 'in the act' meant doing, slang by 1490s in a play for catch. A 1600s legal text uses it for a thief.
Variants
- In the act
Usage Examples
- He was caught in the act; stealing cookies.
- Caught in the act; she lied on tape.
- In the act; nabbed him red-handed.