catch (one) in the cookie jar

catch (one) in the cookie jar

To catch one in the act or attempt of some wrongdoing, especially involving bribery or the illicit exploitation of one's position of power or authority. Likened to a child literally being caught trying to steal cookies. The senator has long been accused of insider trading, but it seems like this time the authorities have finally caught him in the cookie jar.

See also: catch, cookie, jar

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.