catch (someone) in the act

to discover someone doing something wrong.

I was trying to clear up the mess on the carpet before anyone noticed it, but Isobel came in and caught me in the act.

• have all the aces
• have all the answers
• have all the cards
• have all the makings of
• have all the makings of something
• have all your marbles
• have a lot going for
• have a lot going for you
• have a lot irons in the fire
• have [a lot of/a few/several etc.] strings to bow
• have [a lot of/a few/several etc.] strings to your bow
• have a lot of strings to bow
• have a lot of strings to your bow
• have a lot of time for
• have a lot of time for someone
• have a lot of time for something
• have a lot on plate
• have a lot on your plate
• have a lot to answer for
• have a memory like an elephant
• have a memory like a sieve
• have a mind like a sieve
• have a mind like a steel trap
• have a mind of its own
• have a minute to call own