Getting caught

Caught, Caught in the act, Being found out

That sinking moment when someone sees exactly what you were trying to hide is easy to remember on waking. Getting caught in a dream has more to do with your conscience than with anything you've done. It can surface when you're bending a rule, keeping a secret or doing something just for yourself and feeling uneasy about it. Who caught you is telling: a parent, a boss and a partner each point to a different set of expectations. If nobody seemed to mind, you may be holding yourself to a rule others dropped long ago.

Dream variations

• Caught doing something harmlessYou've been treating a small, harmless pleasure as if it were a crime. Ease up on yourself about it.
• A close callYou're cutting it fine somewhere. Tidy up the loose ends while it's still easy.
• Caught by someone you respectYou care a lot about this person's opinion. Ask yourself whether you'd make the same choice with them watching.
• Caught but not sorryYou're tired of hiding something that's part of you. It may be time to stop explaining it.

Related symbols

Hiding · Guilt · Police · Shame

Dream interpretations are for entertainment.