catch
catch — verb
1. to use your hands to seize and hold an object while it travels through the air t
to use your hands to seize and hold an object while it travels through the air toward you, for instance a ball someone has thrown
Quan caught the ball with one hand and threw it back to his friend.
catch + [ball / thrown object]
The little girl ran across the yard trying to catch the falling leaves.
Eli jumped up and caught the frisbee just before it hit the ground.
Harper threw the keys across the room, and Nikos caught them in mid-air.
passive object: keys caught in mid-air
Théo threw the ball to his little sister, but she did not catch it.
- catch a ball
- catch a frisbee
- catch something in mid-air
- catch with both hands
Grammar Patterns
catch + [moving object]
intransitive: [subject] + catch
Usage Note
This sense can be used without an object in sports contexts: 'The new player can really catch.'
Common Mistakes
2. to go after someone or something that is escaping and take hold of them before t
to go after someone or something that is escaping and take hold of them before they can break free
The police caught the thief after a short chase through the park.
catch + [escaped person] after chase
The dog ran out of the yard, but Samir caught him before the road.
The fisherman caught three large tuna during a single trip out to sea.
Amani tried to catch the butterfly with a net, but it flew over the fence.
The zookeepers caught the escaped monkey near the main gate of the zoo.
passive: be caught by + [authority]
- catch a fish
- catch a thief
- catch an animal
- caught by police
Grammar Patterns
catch + [person/animal escaping]
Usage Note
Can be used for both people escaping from the law and animals trying to get free. In fishing, 'catch' refers to the amount of fish you have taken from the water.
Common Mistakes
3. to see or find someone in the middle of doing something they should not be doing
to see or find someone in the middle of doing something they should not be doing, especially something secret or against the rules
The teacher caught two students copying answers from each other during the test.
catch + person + [verb]-ing for wrongdoing
Naoko caught her neighbour climbing over the fence late at night.
Ignacio was caught cheating on the exam and had to explain everything to the principal.
passive: be caught [verb]-ing
The manager caught an employee taking money from the cash register after closing time.
Femi caught his younger brother reading his personal diary and felt very angry about it.
- catch someone doing something
- catch someone in the act
- catch someone cheating
- caught red-handed
Grammar Patterns
catch + [person] + [verb]-ing
Usage Note
Always followed by a person and then the -ing form of a verb describing the wrong action. The -ing form cannot be replaced with a to-infinitive or base verb.
Common Mistakes
4. to get and keep someone's attention or interest so that they notice and focus on
to get and keep someone's attention or interest so that they notice and focus on something
A bright red dress in the shop window caught Naoko's attention as she walked past.
catch [someone's] attention
The loud music from the street caught everyone's ear during the afternoon meeting.
Mert's amazing drawing of a dragon caught the art teacher's eye and won first prize.
catch [someone's] eye
A strange headline on the front page of the newspaper caught Harper's interest immediately.
catch [someone's] interest
The smell of fresh bread caught Théo's nose as he passed by the bakery.
- catch someone's attention
- catch someone's eye
- catch someone's interest
- catch the fancy of
Grammar Patterns
catch + [someone's] attention/eye/interest
Usage Note
The subject of the sentence is always the thing that attracts, not the person. Commonly paired with nouns like 'attention', 'eye', 'interest', 'fancy', or 'ear'. The collocation 'catch someone's eye' can also mean to make eye contact deliberately.
Common Mistakes
5. to find someone at a moment when they do not have something they need or expect,
to find someone at a moment when they do not have something they need or expect, leaving them unable to respond well
Sorry, I cannot help right now — you have caught me at a busy moment.
catch someone at a [adjective] moment
Eve caught Quan without his wallet, so she kindly paid for both their lunches.
catch someone without [needed item]
The sudden afternoon rainstorm caught the hikers completely without umbrellas or raincoats.
The boss's difficult question caught Amani totally unprepared during the team meeting.
catch someone unprepared / off-guard
Samir was caught without an answer when the teacher asked him about the missing homework.
- catch someone unprepared
- catch someone off-guard
- catch someone at a bad time
- caught without
- surprise
more neutral; can be good or bad, while 'catch without' usually implies a problem
- take by surprise
similar meaning but slightly more formal
- prepare for
to be ready for something before it happens
Grammar Patterns
catch + [person] + without + [noun]
catch + [person] + unprepared/off-guard
Usage Note
Often in the pattern 'catch someone without [noun]' or 'catch someone + adjective (unprepared, off-guard, napping)'. The passive form 'be caught without' is very common.
6. used to say strongly that someone will never do a particular thing because they
used to say strongly that someone will never do a particular thing because they dislike it, disagree with it, or find it unacceptable
You will not catch me eating raw fish — I cannot stand the taste of it.
won't catch me + [verb]-ing — refusal
You will not catch Ignacio going bungee jumping; he is afraid of heights.
You will not catch Théo wearing formal clothes on a Saturday afternoon.
You will not catch me driving on icy roads in the middle of winter.
won't catch + me + -ing for personal refusal
You will not catch Naoko singing in front of a crowd; she gets far too nervous.
- won't catch someone doing
- won't catch someone + -ing
- refuse
direct and straightforward, but less colourful than the idiom
- wouldn't dream of
similar strength but slightly more formal
- be happy to
willing acceptance: 'I'd be happy to try it'
Grammar Patterns
won't catch + [person] + [verb]-ing
Usage Note
Always in the fixed expression 'you won't catch [someone] doing [something]'. The phrase is informal and expresses a strong personal position. The subject is usually 'you' as a general reference, not addressing a specific person.
Common Mistakes
7. to get on an airplane, train, bus, or other form of public transport in order to
to get on an airplane, train, bus, or other form of public transport in order to travel somewhere
Bilal caught the 7:15 train to commute into the city centre every morning.
catch + [time] + [mode of transport] for journeys
Élise caught a direct flight from Paris to Tokyo for her cousin's wedding.
The morning commuters rushed through the station to catch the express train.
Ari caught the ferry from Hong Kong to Macau and enjoyed the sea view.
catch + ferry/boat + from [place] + to [place]
Our family usually catches the overnight bus when we visit the countryside.
- catch a train / bus / plane / flight / ferry
- catch the 8:15 / the early morning flight
- catch the express / the local bus
- miss
to fail to get on a train, bus, or plane because you arrived too late
Grammar Patterns
catch + [time] + [mode of transport]
catch + [mode of transport] + to [destination]
Usage Note
Object is always a scheduled form of public transport (train, bus, plane, ferry) — not a private vehicle.
Common Mistakes
8. to arrive early enough to see an event, watch a programme, or speak to someone b
to arrive early enough to see an event, watch a programme, or speak to someone before it is too late
Feng arrived just before nine and caught the beginning of the concert.
catch + [beginning/start] + of [event]
The night-shift nurse rushed home to catch the evening weather forecast.
Ada woke up early so she could catch the morning news on television.
Dr. Okafor left the meeting early to catch his daughter before she left for school.
catch + [person] + before [event] — reaching someone in time
- catch the beginning / start of [event]
- catch [someone] before [they leave]
- catch the end of [a film / a programme]
- make
informal — 'make the show' means the same; 'catch' is slightly more neutral
- miss
to fail to see or reach an event or person because you arrived late
Grammar Patterns
catch + [event/tv programme]
in time to catch + [event]
Usage Note
Unlike sense 7, the object here is an event or a person, not a vehicle. Frequently appears with 'in time to [catch]' or 'just in time to [catch]'.
Common Mistakes
9. to get sick from a germ, virus, or other infectious agent that enters your body
to get sick from a germ, virus, or other infectious agent that enters your body
Tamar caught a bad cold after walking home through the heavy rain.
catch + a cold / flu / illness
The children in the class caught the flu during the winter term.
Sana caught a serious skin infection while volunteering in the jungle.
Marta caught chickenpox from her little brother when she was six years old.
catch + [illness] + from [person] — shows transmission source
The whole team caught a stomach bug after eating at the street market.
- catch a cold / flu / virus / infection / disease
- catch [an illness] from [someone]
- catch a bug / a stomach bug
- contract
more formal; used mostly in medical or official writing
- pick up
informal; 'I picked up a bug somewhere'
- come down with
informal phrasal verb; focuses on the onset of symptoms
Grammar Patterns
catch + [illness]
catch + [illness] + from [person/place]
Usage Note
Frequently used with common illnesses (a cold, flu, chickenpox). More formal alternatives like 'contract' or 'become infected with' are used in medical contexts.
Common Mistakes
10. to pick up a sound or someone's words with your ears and know what they mean, pa
to pick up a sound or someone's words with your ears and know what they mean, particularly when it is hard to hear clearly
Brian caught a few words of the conversation before the door slammed shut.
catch + words/details + of [conversation/speech]
Amelia tried to catch the main points of the news while cooking in the kitchen.
The reporters gathered near the stage to catch every word of the announcement.
From the back of the hall, Bilal could barely catch what the speaker was saying.
can/could (barely/hardly) catch + [what clause] — ability despite difficulty
Zola didn't quite catch the name of the restaurant the host recommended.
- catch a name / a word / a few words
- catch what [someone] said / was saying
- didn't (quite) catch
- could barely / hardly catch
Grammar Patterns
catch + [words/details/name] + of [speech/conversation]
can/could catch + [what is said]
didn't quite catch + [what was said]
Usage Note
Very common in the negative or with modifiers like 'barely', 'hardly', 'only just' — it implies effort or difficulty in hearing. Also used for quick visual perception (sense 12), but this sense focuses on auditory understanding.
Common Mistakes
11. to visit a cinema, theatre, or performance space so that you can see a film, pla
to visit a cinema, theatre, or performance space so that you can see a film, play, concert, or similar show
Andrés and his classmates caught a late-night movie at the old cinema downtown.
catch + a movie/film/play at [venue]
The theatre group caught a wonderful performance of the ballet last spring.
Tamar caught an excellent jazz concert at the National Concert Hall on Friday.
Sana caught the afternoon show of the musical before it left the city.
catch + [time] + show/performance — specifying a screening
- catch a film / movie / play / show / concert / performance
- catch the afternoon / evening show
- catch [event] at [venue]
Grammar Patterns
catch + [film/play/performance/show]
catch + [event] + at [venue]
Usage Note
Slightly informal compared to 'see' or 'attend'. Used especially in conversational English: 'Let's catch a movie tonight.'
Common Mistakes
12. to see someone or something for only a moment, often without having time to look
to see someone or something for only a moment, often without having time to look closely
Marta caught a glimpse of the famous actor stepping into the waiting car.
catch a glimpse of [person/thing] — brief sighting
Ada caught sight of a deer running through the woods near the hiking trail.
catch sight of [person/animal/thing] — alternative pattern
The tour group caught a brief view of the temple from the bus window.
Élise caught a flash of the rainbow before the clouds covered the sky again.
- catch a glimpse of
- catch sight of
- catch a view of
- catch a flash of
Grammar Patterns
catch a glimpse of + [person/thing]
catch sight of + [person/thing]
Usage Note
Almost always used with the noun phrases 'a glimpse of', 'sight of', or 'a view of' — it does not directly take a person or thing as object. Compare: 'I caught a glimpse of him' ✅ vs 'I caught him' ❌ (in this sense).
Common Mistakes
13. to get and stay fixed to a surface or object without being able to move freely,
to get and stay fixed to a surface or object without being able to move freely, or to cause something to become fixed in this way — for example, a zipper catching on a jacket lining, or a car door catching on a post.
Otis's jacket zipper caught on the edge of the table as he walked past.
intransitive: catch + on [surface]
The boat's rope caught around a rock under the water and held them in place.
Tuan caught his shirt sleeve on a nail sticking out of the fence.
transitive: catch + object + on [object]
A piece of thread from her scarf caught on a bush near the garden path.
Gabriel caught his fishing line on a tree branch over the river.
- catch on
- catch in
- catch around
- get caught
- release
to free something that was stuck
Grammar Patterns
catch + on/in/around [something]
catch + object + on/in [something]
Usage Note
Object of the preposition is usually a hard surface, a protruding object, or a narrow space (on a nail, in a crack, around a rock).
14. to come into sudden contact with something or someone, usually without meaning t
to come into sudden contact with something or someone, usually without meaning to — for example, a swing catching someone on the chin, or a bag catching a table corner.
A thick branch caught Samir on the shoulder as he walked through the garden.
transitive: catch + body part + on [object]
Darius's elbow caught the glass vase and sent it crashing to the floor.
The car's side mirror caught the post as Aaron parked on the narrow street.
Adaeze's heavy bag caught the edge of the table and knocked over a cup.
catch + object + result clause
Mateo's cricket bat caught the wicket keeper's glove during the game.
- catch on
- catch with
Grammar Patterns
catch + [part of body] + on [something]
catch + [object] + and + [verb]
Usage Note
Unlike 'hit', which can be intentional or unintentional, 'catch' in this sense is always accidental. Subject is often a body part or an object being swung or moved.
Common Mistakes
15. to end up in a difficult or unpleasant situation even though you did not plan or
to end up in a difficult or unpleasant situation even though you did not plan or wish to — for example, being caught in a storm, or caught up in an argument between friends.
The children were caught in a sudden storm and arrived home soaking wet.
passive: be caught in [weather/situation]
Caio found himself caught up in a heated debate about the new school rules.
The mountain village was caught between two opposing groups during the conflict.
passive: be caught between [two forces]
Adaeze got caught in the middle of her two friends' loud disagreement at lunch.
Many families are caught in a cycle of rising costs and low wages.
- caught in
- caught up in
- caught between
- become trapped in
more literal, often physical; 'caught in' can be physical or abstract
- become embroiled in
more formal, always about conflict or trouble
- avoid
to stay away from a situation
Grammar Patterns
be caught + in [situation]
be caught + up in [event/argument]
be caught + between [two forces]
Usage Note
Almost always used in the passive voice ('be/get caught'). The active form ('The storm caught the children') is occasionally possible but much less common. Distinguish from sense 3 (DISCOVER) where 'catch' means 'find someone doing wrong' — this sense is about being trapped in a situation, not being discovered.
Common Mistakes
16. to briefly pause from breathing because of a strong emotion such as fear or surp
to briefly pause from breathing because of a strong emotion such as fear or surprise; or to return to a normal breathing speed after exercising — used in the phrase 'catch one's breath'.
Mateo stopped at the top of the stairs to catch his breath.
phrase: catch one's breath (after exercise)
Tamás caught his breath in surprise when he saw the messy kitchen.
phrase: catch one's breath (from shock)
After the race, the tired runners stopped to catch their breath.
Sora caught his breath when the teacher suddenly called his name in class.
Aaron paused at the top of the hill to catch his breath before walking on.
- catch one's breath
- stop to catch one's breath
- catch one's breath in surprise
- pause for breath
less idiomatic, more literal; 'catch one's breath' is the standard fixed expression
Grammar Patterns
catch + possessive + breath
Usage Note
Commonly used in two distinct contexts: (a) recovery after exercise — 'stop to catch your breath'; (b) sudden intake of air from emotion — 'catch your breath in surprise'. Both use the same fixed phrase 'catch + possessive + breath' and the possessive always agrees with the subject.
Common Mistakes
17. to have your skin change colour to red or brown as a result of being outdoors in
to have your skin change colour to red or brown as a result of being outdoors in strong sunlight — used especially in British English in the phrase 'catch the sun'.
Tamás caught the sun during his week-long holiday on the Greek coast.
idiom: catch the sun (= get sunburnt)
Aaron's ears caught the sun and turned bright red despite the sunscreen.
Adaeze caught the sun on her walk home and her arms turned pink.
The children caught the sun while playing in the garden all afternoon without hats.
- catch the sun
- get sunburnt
more international and literal; 'catch the sun' is a British idiom
- get a tan
implies a positive, desirable outcome; 'catch the sun' can be neutral or negative
Grammar Patterns
catch + the + sun
Usage Note
Primarily British English. Speakers of American English would typically say 'got sunburnt' or 'got a tan' instead. The phrase always uses the definite article 'the sun', never a possessive ('my sun').
18. to be hit by a source of light in a way that makes the surface appear bright, sh
to be hit by a source of light in a way that makes the surface appear bright, shiny, or sparkly — used in the phrase 'catch the light'.
The diamond on Sora's ring caught the light and sparkled across the restaurant.
idiom: catch the light (= shine when lit)
The old stained-glass window caught the afternoon sun and filled the room with colour.
Aaron's wristwatch caught the light as he waved goodbye to his friends at the station.
The dewdrops on the grass caught the morning sunlight and glittered like tiny jewels.
- catch the light
- catch the sun
- catch the sunlight
- catch the morning light
- glint in the light
describes a brief flash; 'catch the light' can describe a longer shine
- gleam
a verb meaning to shine softly; 'catch the light' emphasises the light source as the trigger
Grammar Patterns
catch + the + light / sun / sun's rays
Usage Note
The subject is always an object with a reflective or polished surface. The phrase can be used with 'light', 'sun', 'sunlight', 'sun's rays', or 'moonlight'. Common in descriptive and literary writing.
19. to start burning, usually because a flame or spark touches something
to start burning, usually because a flame or spark touches something
Soraya's scarf caught fire when she leaned too close to the candle.
collocation: catch fire
The dry leaves in the garden caught fire after lightning struck the tree.
Zayd warned the children that paper curtains can catch fire very easily.
modal: can catch fire
A spark from the bonfire caused the picnic blanket to catch fire.
The old fence caught fire and the flames spread to the garage within minutes.
- catch fire
- ignite
more formal and technical; used for deliberate or chemical ignition
- burst into flames
more dramatic; describes sudden, intense burning
- go out
stop burning; opposite process
- extinguish
formal; to put out a fire deliberately
Grammar Patterns
catch fire
Usage Note
Almost always used in the fixed phrase "catch fire." The subject is the object that burns, not the fire itself.
Common Mistakes
20. for wood, coal, or other fuel that is used in a fire to start burning
for wood, coal, or other fuel that is used in a fire to start burning
The damp firewood took a long time to catch, but it burned brightly once it started.
intransitive: the fuel catches
Ari struck a match and held it to the kindling until it caught.
Kabir added dry newspaper to help the wet logs catch in the fireplace.
The fire caught quickly once Heloísa added small twigs and dry leaves.
adverb: catch quickly
Élise tried to light the campfire with wet branches, but they refused to catch.
negative: refuse to catch
- catch quickly
- catch easily
- refuse to catch
- fail to catch
- ignite
more formal; often used for deliberate lighting
- take light
less common; describes the moment a fire begins to burn steadily
- go out
stop burning; opposite process
Grammar Patterns
catch (without 'fire')
Usage Note
Used without "fire" — the subject is the fuel that begins to burn. Often used with adverbs such as "quickly" or "easily", or after "refuse to" and "fail to."
Common Mistakes
21. to show or copy something exactly in a picture, story, or performance, so that t
to show or copy something exactly in a picture, story, or performance, so that the result feels true to the original
Christopher's painting of his grandmother catches the warmth in her eyes.
pattern: catch + abstract quality (warmth, mood, spirit)
The novel catches the atmosphere of 1920s Paris with vivid description.
Talia's sketch of the market catches the busy morning energy perfectly.
The young actor catches his character's shy mannerisms very naturally.
Anong's photograph of the waterfall catches the light sparkling on the water.
- catch the mood
- catch the atmosphere
- catch the likeness
- catch the essence
- miss
fail to show or represent something accurately
Grammar Patterns
catch something
Usage Note
Common in reviews of art, literature, photography, and performances. The object is usually an abstract quality such as a mood, atmosphere, expression, gesture, or likeness.
be caught up in
phrasal verbTo become involved in something, often without wanting to.
He was caught up in the excitement of the crowd.
She got caught up in a traffic jam on her way home.
catch at
phrasal verbTo try to take or hold something quickly.
The drowning man caught at the rope thrown to him.
She caught at his sleeve to stop him leaving.
catch on
phrasal verbTo become popular or understood.
The new dance craze quickly caught on with teenagers.
It took a while for the joke to catch on with the audience.
catch out
phrasal verbTo discover that someone is doing something wrong or lying.
The detective caught out the suspect with a clever question.
She was caught out when her story didn't match the facts.
catch up
phrasal verbTo reach the same level or position as someone ahead.
Run faster, or you won't catch up with the group.
After missing a week, he had to catch up on homework.
catch up on
phrasal verbTo do something that you have not had time to do.
I need to catch up on my sleep this weekend.
She used the flight to catch up on reading.
catch up with
phrasal verbTo reach someone who is ahead by going faster.
He ran fast to catch up with the bus.
The police finally caught up with the escaped prisoner.
get caught up in
phrasal verbTo become involved in something, often unexpectedly.
Don't get caught up in their argument; stay out of it.
She got caught up in the excitement of the parade.
To become involved in a disagreement between two other people or groups.
When my parents argue, I often get caught in the middle.
Maya was caught in the middle of her friends' fight.
be caught short
idiomTo suddenly need to go to the toilet urgently.
During the long car ride, Diego was caught short.
Sara was caught short and had to find a restroom quickly.
To be in a difficult situation where any choice leads to bad results.
The manager was caught in a cleft stick between budget cuts.
Aiden found himself in a cleft stick with both options bad.
In a situation where you must choose between two unpleasant things.
Lina was between a rock and a hard place at work.
Between a rock and a hard place, Tom chose to quit.
catch your breath
idiomTo stop breathing for a moment because of fear or surprise.
When the car nearly hit him, he caught his breath.
Mia caught her breath when she saw the huge spider.
catch a cold
idiomTo become ill with a cold.
Jake caught a cold after playing in the rain.
Did you catch a cold from your sister?
To catch a very bad cold.
Go inside or you'll catch your death of cold.
Without a coat, she'll catch her death.
catch somebody’s eye
idiomTo attract someone's attention.
The bright red dress caught her eye in the store.
Can you catch the waiter's eye for the bill?
To attract or please someone.
The little puppy caught the girl's fancy immediately.
Which book takes your fancy from this shelf?
catch it
idiomTo be punished or told off angrily.
If Mom finds out, you'll really catch it.
Tom caught it from his boss for being late.
To get an advantage by doing something when someone is not ready.
The sudden question caught the student napping.
Our team caught them napping with a quick goal.
To surprise someone by doing something when they are not ready.
The pop quiz caught the class on the hop.
His sudden arrival caught me on the hop.
To upset someone by mentioning a sensitive topic.
Her comment about his weight caught him on the raw.
The joke touched her on the raw, and she left.
To catch someone in the act of doing something wrong.
The police caught the thief red-handed stealing a car.
Mom caught me red-handed eating the cake.
To surprise someone when they are not ready, especially in an embarrassing situation.
The reporter caught the politician with his pants down.
She caught him with his pants down during the exam.
The person who acts early gets an advantage over others.
Remember, the early bird catches the worm, so wake up early.
She got the best seats because the early bird catches the worm.
To make someone unsteady or surprised, causing them to lose control.
The strong wind threw the cyclist off balance.
His unexpected question caught the speaker off balance.
To put someone at a disadvantage or in a difficult position.
The new regulations put small businesses on the back foot.
Her quick argument caught him on the back foot.
catch — noun
1. the action of taking hold of something as it flies through the air, such as a ba
the action of taking hold of something as it flies through the air, such as a ball, a Frisbee, or a similar thrown item
Andrés made a difficult catch of the ball while running across the field.
catch + of + object phrase
Talia's quick catch of the falling glass stopped it from breaking on the floor.
The dog's catch of the Frisbee mid-air made the children cheer with joy.
Practicing your catch with a tennis ball can improve your hand-eye coordination.
catch + with + a [object] for practice
- make a catch
- great catch
- difficult catch
- one-handed catch
- drop
the opposite action — failing to hold something
Grammar Patterns
catch + of + noun phrase
Usage Note
Often used with a possessive noun or pronoun before "catch" (e.g., "his catch", "the player's catch").
Common Mistakes
2. a simple activity in which two or more people throw a ball to each other and try
a simple activity in which two or more people throw a ball to each other and try to catch it for fun
The children played catch in the park after school every day.
play + catch
Henry and his father spent the afternoon playing catch in the backyard.
Playing catch is a simple way to relax and enjoy time outside with friends.
gerund: playing catch as an activity
Lan taught her younger brother how to play catch with a soft rubber ball.
- play catch
- throw and catch
- throw and catch
descriptive phrase rather than a noun; less common
Grammar Patterns
play + catch
Usage Note
Only used as an uncountable noun in the fixed pattern "play catch". Cannot be used with numbers.
Common Mistakes
3. an act in baseball or cricket where a fielder catches a ball hit by the opposing
an act in baseball or cricket where a fielder catches a ball hit by the opposing player, resulting in that player being out
The crowd cheered when Nellie made a spectacular catch in center field.
make + a + adjective + catch (sports)
Stefan's catch ended the inning and sent the team back to the dugout.
The umpire ruled that the catch was fair and the batter was out.
A good catch in cricket needs quick reactions and steady hands.
A + adjective + catch + in + sport
- spectacular catch
- fair catch
- dropped catch
- make a catch
- fielding
broader term covering all actions a fielder takes, not just catching
Usage Note
Specific to baseball, cricket, and similar games. In other ball sports (basketball, football) this term is not used this way.
Common Mistakes
4. the total number or weight of fish that a person or boat has caught at one time
the total number or weight of fish that a person or boat has caught at one time
The fishermen brought their catch to the market early in the morning.
possessive + catch = fish caught
Today's catch included several salmon and a large halibut.
The boat returned to harbor with a small catch because of the storm.
a + adjective + catch (describing quantity)
Nkechi's catch was the biggest of all the competitors in the fishing contest.
- today's catch
- a good catch
- a big catch
- bring in a catch
Usage Note
Can refer to a single fish or a large quantity. Often used with adjectives describing size or quality ("a good catch", "a small catch").
5. an issue or drawback that is deliberately kept out of sight when someone present
an issue or drawback that is deliberately kept out of sight when someone presents you with something attractive
Mert asked what the catch was before signing the rental agreement.
what's the catch? — question pattern
The apartment looks perfect, but there has to be a catch somewhere.
Ishaan warned us about the catch in the contract before we agreed to it.
the catch + in + noun phrase (the location of the problem)
The catch is that the phone costs very little, but the service plan is expensive.
The offer sounded too good to be true, so Talia looked for the hidden catch.
- what's the catch?
- there's a catch
- hidden catch
- the catch is that...
- benefit
the positive side of an offer
Grammar Patterns
there is a catch
what's the catch?
Usage Note
Almost always singular ("a catch", "the catch"). Very common in conversational English in the fixed question "What's the catch?"
Common Mistakes
6. an occasion when someone notices a mistake or a problem and takes action to corr
an occasion when someone notices a mistake or a problem and takes action to correct it before harm is done
The editor's quick catch saved the newspaper from printing an error.
possessive + catch = person who notices and fixes
Christopher's catch of the accounting error prevented a serious loss for the company.
The software made an automatic catch of several spelling mistakes in the report.
A good catch by the quality control team stopped faulty parts from reaching customers.
a + adjective + catch + by + [team/person]
- a good catch
- quick catch
- automatic catch
- catch by
- oversight
the failure to notice something
Grammar Patterns
a catch + by + person/team
Usage Note
Common in workplace and quality-control contexts. The focus is on detection followed by correction, not merely noticing.
7. A fitting made of metal or plastic that is fixed to a door, window, or container
A fitting made of metal or plastic that is fixed to a door, window, or container and secures it when pushed into place.
The catch on the kitchen door was broken, so the wind kept pushing it open.
collocation: catch on [door/window/suitcase]
Reuben bought a new magnetic catch for his toolbox at the hardware store.
Salma pushed the window catch firmly until it clicked into place with a sharp sound.
pattern: push the catch + click into place
The old suitcase had a metal catch that was too rusty to close properly anymore.
Kwame checked the catch on his backpack before getting on the crowded train.
- catch on [door/window/gate/suitcase]
- push the catch
- slide the catch
- metal catch
- broken catch
Usage Note
Often used with a prepositional phrase naming the item the catch is attached to: the catch on a door, the catch on a bag.
Common Mistakes
8. A person whom others view as an excellent choice for a romantic relationship or
A person whom others view as an excellent choice for a romantic relationship or marriage, because of their looks, personality, wealth, or social position.
Everyone in the village thought the young teacher was a real catch for anyone lucky enough to date her.
collocation: a real catch
When Yuna introduced her fiancé, her friends agreed he was quite a catch.
collocation: quite a catch
In her mother's eyes, a successful lawyer would be the ideal catch for her daughter.
Jude was considered the biggest catch in town — wealthy, kind, and good-looking too.
collocation: the biggest catch
- a real catch
- quite a catch
- a good catch
- the biggest catch
- an ideal catch
- good match
emphasises compatibility rather than social desirability
- good prospect
slightly more formal; often used by family members evaluating a potential partner
Usage Note
Almost always used in the singular form 'a catch', typically modified by an intensifying adjective such as 'real', 'quite a', 'good', or 'biggest'. Rarely used in formal writing.
Common Mistakes
9. A sudden feeling of tightness or pain in a muscle, often after physical activity
A sudden feeling of tightness or pain in a muscle, often after physical activity or from staying in an awkward position.
After the long hike up the mountain, Adaeze felt a sharp catch in her lower back.
collocation: a catch in [body part]
Daichi woke up with a painful catch in his neck from sleeping on a worn-out pillow.
The sprinter felt a sudden catch in her hamstring during the final lap of the race.
Ilan stretched carefully to loosen the catch that had developed in his shoulder after moving furniture.
pattern: loosen / get rid of a catch
- a catch in [body part]
- feel a catch
- develop a catch
- sharpt catch
- painful catch
- loosen a catch
Usage Note
Typically used with a part of the body in the pattern 'a catch in [body part]' (e.g., a catch in my back, a catch in my leg). Can be countable (a catch) or uncountable (catch) with no change in meaning.
Common Mistakes
10. A brief, unsteady pause or trembling in someone's speech that happens when the s
A brief, unsteady pause or trembling in someone's speech that happens when the speaker is experiencing a powerful emotion, such as sadness, excitement, or gratitude.
There was a catch in her voice as she thanked the nurses who had cared for her mother.
pattern: a catch in [possessive] voice
When Ryan spoke about his late father at the memorial, a catch in his throat made him pause.
pattern: a catch in [possessive] throat
Manuela tried to sound cheerful on the phone, but a catch in her voice gave away her sadness.
The old man recalled his youth with a catch in his voice, wiping tears from his eyes.
- a catch in [possessive] voice
- a catch in [possessive] throat
- a slight catch
- with a catch in [possessive] voice
Usage Note
Commonly appears in the fixed patterns 'a catch in [possessive] voice' or 'a catch in [possessive] throat'. The throat version implies the speaker has to stop speaking for a moment.
Common Mistakes
Word family
Synonym discussion
Sense: verb/1
The verb 'catch' is the most general word for taking hold of something in motion, especially with your hands. 'Grab' suggests a quicker, more forceful action — you grab something impulsively or urgently, while 'catch' implies a controlled, often planned movement. 'Seize' is more formal and implies taking something suddenly and firmly, often with authority (e.g., police seizing stolen goods). 'Grasp' focuses on holding firmly rather than the act of taking; you can grasp something that is already in your hand. 'Capture' is the most formal and suggests catching after a deliberate effort or strategy, like capturing an escaped animal. 'Trap' involves using a device or trick rather than a direct chase. For example: 'Quan caught the ball with one hand' (controlled action), 'She grabbed the keys off the table' (quick, impulsive), 'The police captured the suspect after a long chase' (planned operation).
Common collocations
Etymology
Catch entered English in the 1200s from Old North French 'cachier', meaning to chase or capture. That word came from Latin 'captiare', a frequentative form of 'capere' (to take or seize). The original sense of chasing and capturing animals eventually broadened to cover taking moving objects, noticing things, and catching illnesses — all connected by the idea of reaching out and taking hold of something.