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.
Théo threw the ball to his little sister, but she did not catch it.
文法句型
catch + [moving object]
intransitive: [subject] + catch
用法筆記
This sense can be used without an object in sports contexts: 'The new player can really catch.'
常見錯誤
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.
文法句型
catch + [person/animal escaping]
用法筆記
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.
常見錯誤
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.
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.
文法句型
catch + [person] + [verb]-ing
用法筆記
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.
常見錯誤
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.
A strange headline on the front page of the newspaper caught Harper's interest immediately.
The smell of fresh bread caught Théo's nose as he passed by the bakery.
文法句型
catch + [someone's] attention/eye/interest
用法筆記
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.
常見錯誤
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.
Samir was caught without an answer when the teacher asked him about the missing homework.
- 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
文法句型
catch + [person] + without + [noun]
catch + [person] + unprepared/off-guard
用法筆記
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.
You will not catch Naoko singing in front of a crowd; she gets far too nervous.
- 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'
文法句型
won't catch + [person] + [verb]-ing
用法筆記
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.
常見錯誤
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.
Our family usually catches the overnight bus when we visit the countryside.
- miss
to fail to get on a train, bus, or plane because you arrived too late
文法句型
catch + [time] + [mode of transport]
catch + [mode of transport] + to [destination]
用法筆記
Object is always a scheduled form of public transport (train, bus, plane, ferry) — not a private vehicle.
常見錯誤
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.
- 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
文法句型
catch + [event/tv programme]
in time to catch + [event]
用法筆記
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]'.
常見錯誤
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.
The whole team caught a stomach bug after eating at the street market.
- 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
文法句型
catch + [illness]
catch + [illness] + from [person/place]
用法筆記
Frequently used with common illnesses (a cold, flu, chickenpox). More formal alternatives like 'contract' or 'become infected with' are used in medical contexts.
常見錯誤
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.
Zola didn't quite catch the name of the restaurant the host recommended.
文法句型
catch + [words/details/name] + of [speech/conversation]
can/could catch + [what is said]
didn't quite catch + [what was said]
用法筆記
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.
常見錯誤
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.
文法句型
catch + [film/play/performance/show]
catch + [event] + at [venue]
用法筆記
Slightly informal compared to 'see' or 'attend'. Used especially in conversational English: 'Let's catch a movie tonight.'
常見錯誤
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.
文法句型
catch a glimpse of + [person/thing]
catch sight of + [person/thing]
用法筆記
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).
常見錯誤
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.
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.
- release
to free something that was stuck
文法句型
catch + on/in/around [something]
catch + object + on/in [something]
用法筆記
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.
Mateo's cricket bat caught the wicket keeper's glove during the game.
文法句型
catch + [part of body] + on [something]
catch + [object] + and + [verb]
用法筆記
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.
常見錯誤
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.
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.
- 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
文法句型
be caught + in [situation]
be caught + up in [event/argument]
be caught + between [two forces]
用法筆記
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.
常見錯誤
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.
- pause for breath
less idiomatic, more literal; 'catch one's breath' is the standard fixed expression
文法句型
catch + possessive + breath
用法筆記
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.
常見錯誤
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.
- 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
文法句型
catch + the + sun
用法筆記
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.
- 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
文法句型
catch + the + light / sun / sun's rays
用法筆記
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.
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.
- 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
文法句型
catch fire
用法筆記
Almost always used in the fixed phrase "catch fire." The subject is the object that burns, not the fire itself.
常見錯誤
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.
Élise tried to light the campfire with wet branches, but they refused 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
文法句型
catch (without 'fire')
用法筆記
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."
常見錯誤
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.
- miss
fail to show or represent something accurately
文法句型
catch something
用法筆記
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.
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.
- drop
the opposite action — failing to hold something
文法句型
catch + of + noun phrase
用法筆記
Often used with a possessive noun or pronoun before "catch" (e.g., "his catch", "the player's catch").
常見錯誤
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.
Lan taught her younger brother how to play catch with a soft rubber ball.
- throw and catch
descriptive phrase rather than a noun; less common
文法句型
play + catch
用法筆記
Only used as an uncountable noun in the fixed pattern "play catch". Cannot be used with numbers.
常見錯誤
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.
- fielding
broader term covering all actions a fielder takes, not just catching
用法筆記
Specific to baseball, cricket, and similar games. In other ball sports (basketball, football) this term is not used this way.
常見錯誤
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.
Nkechi's catch was the biggest of all the competitors in the fishing contest.
用法筆記
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 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.
- benefit
the positive side of an offer
文法句型
there is a catch
what's the catch?
用法筆記
Almost always singular ("a catch", "the catch"). Very common in conversational English in the fixed question "What's the catch?"
常見錯誤
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.
- oversight
the failure to notice something
文法句型
a catch + by + person/team
用法筆記
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.
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.
用法筆記
Often used with a prepositional phrase naming the item the catch is attached to: the catch on a door, the catch on a bag.
常見錯誤
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.
- good match
emphasises compatibility rather than social desirability
- good prospect
slightly more formal; often used by family members evaluating a potential partner
用法筆記
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.
常見錯誤
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.
用法筆記
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.
常見錯誤
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.
用法筆記
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.