Catch idioms are phrases that include the word “catch” and convey specific meanings. They are commonly used in everyday language to express various ideas. Here are 20 catch idioms, along with their meanings and example sentences.
1. Catch a Break
Meaning: Get a lucky opportunity.
Example: She finally caught a break at work.
2. Catch a Cold
Meaning: Become ill with a cold.
Example: He caught a cold after the rain.
3. Catch Fire
Meaning: Begin to burn.
Example: The old barn caught fire quickly.
4. Catch Someone’s Eye
Meaning: Attract someone’s attention.
Example: That dress really caught my eye.
5. Catch Up
Meaning: Reach the same level.
Example: She needs to catch up in math.
6. Catch Wind Of
Meaning: Hear a rumor.
Example: He caught wind of the surprise party.
7. Catch a Glimpse
Meaning: See briefly.
Example: I caught a glimpse of the actor.
8. Catch One’s Breath
Meaning: Take a short rest.
Example: Let me catch my breath first.
9. Catch Some Z’s
Meaning: Get some sleep.
Example: I need to catch some Z’s now.
10. Catch Off Guard
Meaning: Surprise someone.
Example: The news caught him off guard.
11. Catch in the Act
Meaning: Catch while doing something wrong.
Example: She was caught in the act of cheating.
12. Catch Red-Handed
Meaning: Catch in the act of wrongdoing.
Example: The thief was caught red-handed.
13. Catch a Bus
Meaning: Board a bus.
Example: I need to catch the 5 PM bus.
14. Catch on
Meaning: Understand or grasp.
Example: He quickly caught on to the joke.
15. Catch the Drift
Meaning: Understand the general meaning.
Example: I didn’t catch the drift at first.
16. Catch Sight Of
Meaning: See something suddenly.
Example: She caught sight of her friend.
17. Catch a Train
Meaning: Board a train.
Example: We must catch the next train.
18. Catch One’s Death
Meaning: Become very ill.
Example: You’ll catch your death in the rain.
19. Catch and Release
Meaning: Catch and then set free.
Example: We practiced catch and release fishing.
20. Catch Hell
Meaning: Be severely reprimanded.
Example: He’ll catch hell for missing work.
