catch out

To expose one's deception or other wrongdoing. A noun or pronoun can be used between "catch" and "out." I wouldn't lie to the detective—her whole job is to catch you out! The CEO was finally caught out and his embezzlement scandal exposed. I don't trust that reporter at all—he always seems to be poking around just so he can catch people out.

caught out

Revealed to have done something, often something undesirable or nefarious. That official has been caught out making inappropriate comments, and yet his colleagues won't take any action against him. The CEO was finally caught out and his embezzlement scandal exposed. I wouldn't lie to the detective—you'll be caught out sooner or later.