To get caught red-handed. (It shouldn't be hard to get a conviction - the burglars were caught red-handed)
5
Shoplifting / stealing
five-finger discount. (We need to install security cameras in the store. Too many shoppers are getting a five-finger discount)
10
crime (typically murder)
Foul play (The actor was found dead inside his garden, but the police do not suspect foul play)
15
Prosecute legally as strongly as possible
Throw the book at it (The judge let me off with a warning after two speeding tickets. But the next time, she's going to throw the book at me.)
20
A temporary sale at a discount store.
Blue light special -1st meaning (Come quick!! The local discount store is having a blue light special - shirts are three for $10 until 10 p.m.)
25
A traffic stop by the police
Blue light special -2nd Meaning (Sorry I'm late - I was speeding and I got the blue light special)
5
To do something that frustrates those in authority
Stick it to the man (People who jumo subway turnstiles are really stealing, but they may feel they're sticking it to the man.)
10
Assistance from a powerful source in a difficult situation.
Call in the calvary (We're running into serious trouble with the investigation of this crime. It's time to call in the calvary - I'll contact the crime lab.)
15
To demand a decision or a clear answer
To pin someone down. (My boyfriend and I have talked vaguely about getting married, but I think it's time to try to pin him down)
20
Ruthless, extremely destructive
Scorched earth tactics/ policy/ etc. (The government's scorched-earth tactics finally crushed the insurgency.)
25
A warning of more serious action to come
A shot across the bow (The CEO's letter was a shot across the bow, and legal staff are already working on a patent infringement lawsuit.)
5
Angry, protesting (usually said as a group)
To be up in arms (The workers are up in arms about the shortened lunch hour. I think we should lengthen it again.)
10
A person who has an office job but enjoys physical activity on the weekends.
Weekend Warrior (Richard is very formal at work, but he is a weekend warrior - he enjoys playing football with his friends on the weekends.)
