catch (one) with (one's) pants down

catch (one) with (one's) pants down

To encounter or catch one by surprise in a vulnerable and often embarrassing position or situation. Thanks to that anonymous tip, we were able to catch the drug smugglers with their pants down—right when they were making the exchange. Jeff was caught with his pants down when he came to the meeting without having read the brief and the boss started firing questions at him.
See also: catch, down, pant
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

catch (one) with one's pants down

Fig. to discover someone in the act of doing something that is normally private or hidden. (Literal uses are possible.) Some council members were using tax money as their own. But the press caught them with their pants down and now the district attorney will press charges.
See also: catch, down, pant
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

catch someone with their pants (or trousers) down

catch someone in an unprepared state or sexually compromising situation. informal
See also: catch, down, pant, someone
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

catch somebody with their ˈpants down

(British English also catch somebody with their ˈtrousers down) (informal) find or trap somebody when they are unprepared or not paying attention: After the devastating attack on its military bases, the country was determined not to be caught with its pants down a second time.
See also: catch, down, pant, somebody
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • catch somebody with their pants down
  • catch someone with their pants down
  • catch with pants down
  • catching
  • catch as catch can
  • catch-as-catch-can
  • like a greased pig
  • catch (a)hold of (someone or something)
  • catch hold of
  • catch/get/grab/take hold of somebody/something