catch

"Catch" is a very common and versatile English word. It works as both a verb and a noun, and it has many meanings — here are the most important ones you'll encounter in everyday life.

When something is flying or falling through the air and you grab it with your hands, you catch it. Think of a ball thrown toward you — you reach out and stop it from falling.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

The dog ran across the yard to catch the frisbee.

Be careful — catch the glass before it falls off the table!

When you get on a bus, train, or plane just in time before it leaves, you catch it. If you arrive too late and it has already left, you missed it.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

I have to run — I need to catch the 8 o'clock train.

If you don't hurry, you'll miss the flight.

When a sickness passes from one person to you and you become ill, you catch the illness. It is very natural to say you 'caught' a cold or the flu.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

I caught a cold after standing in the rain for an hour.

You can catch chickenpox from someone who already has it.

When you see or find someone doing something — especially something wrong — at the exact moment they are doing it, you catch them. The idea is that they did not expect to be seen.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

When something seems too good or too easy, there is often a 'catch' — a hidden problem, condition, or trick that makes it less attractive. You will hear this a lot in real life.

everyday language · Modern, widely used · figurative

The apartment is cheap and beautiful — what's the catch?

The deal sounds perfect, but there's always a catch.

He offered to help for free, but the catch was that he wanted a favour later.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

Sorry, I didn't catch your name — could you repeat it?

Did you catch what the teacher said about the homework?

He spoke so fast that I couldn't catch half of what he said.