it's a fair cop

it's/that's a fair cop

An admission of wrongdoing upon being caught. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. What can I say? It was a fair cop. They saw me dumping my rubbish right there in the alleyway.
See also: cop, fair
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

it's a fair cop

an admission that the speaker has been caught doing wrong and deserves punishment.
See also: cop, fair
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

it’s a fair ˈcop

(British English, spoken, humorous) used by somebody who is caught doing something wrong, to say that they admit that they are wrong: He just said, ‘it’s a fair cop’ and handed the bag to one of the policemen.
See also: cop, fair
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • it's/that's a fair cop
  • cop it
  • cop hold of
  • cop hold of (someone or something)
  • chance (one's) arm
  • chance your arm
  • let the side down
  • cop on
  • blow the whistle (on) (someone), to
  • be not much cop
References in classic literature
It's a fair cop. We don't sweat to know 'ow you brung it orf.
The Amateur Cracksman
The former police sergeant, who performed a total sell-out run at Edinburgh Festival Fringe last year, turned into a stand-up comedian and became the star of BBC Radio 4 show It's A Fair Cop. He will perform at Warwick Arts Centre on October 10.
Arresting tales from cop turned funnyman
IT'S A FAIR COP: Sting, with Andy Summers and, right, with Bruce Springsteen WIREIMAGE.COM/AP
STING & CO ARE NEW YORK'S FINEST
Mr Fox said: "It's a fair cop. This is a blatant attempt to buy votes."
Cops eye pounds 1m stunt
It's a fair cop when Len catches Cain with Ollie, but he later finds out it's a fair cop that Angie Cain really wants.
TV UK: SOAP SUDS
qOK, officer, it's a fair cop. And when the officer is played by gorgeous Gina Gershon, it's a VERY fair cop!
Gina's a fair cop
IT'S A FAIR COP: Madonna calls in the police for a lift home
3am Party At The Palace Special: Boys Panda to Madonna
IT'S A FAIR COP: Caroline Quentin and co didn't impress in police drama
Quentin series scores an own goal with plot; Blue Murder, STV, Monday
But it's a fair cop and now the council will be charging us."
Football: CLIMB TIME
ECO-warrior Swampy told police "It's a fair cop" when they arrested him for having magic mushrooms, a court heard yesterday.
Swampy's drugs rap