in the act

Idioms  

1. In the process of doing something. For example, The police caught the robber in the act , or I was in the act of closing the window . [Second half of 1600s]

2. Performing sexual intercourse, as in Her father caught them in the act . [Late 1500s]

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Example Sentences

Nexus has investments in the ACT, a college-entrance exam taken by millions of students, and Ruffalo Noel Levitz, an enrollment-management firm.

From The Wall Street Journal

Rhondda Cynon Taf council said it had placed covert cameras and signs in the area and that it was looking at using new technology to help catch those responsible in the act.

From BBC

Marsh was fouled in the act of shooting with 8.7 seconds left but missed both attempts.

From Los Angeles Times

A parallel incident unfolded in the Baltic Sea a year ago, and the outcome suggests bad actors can expect few repercussions even after they’re caught in the act.

From The Wall Street Journal

This impression is echoed in the act of creation itself, in which Mr. Yasunaga excavates his works from the substrate in which they’ve been fired, never knowing what the final result will be until the fragile pieces have been freed from their resting places.

From The Wall Street Journal