a drawback or difficulty that is not readily evident; it sounds good but whats the catch?
[ Syn: gimmick ]
the act of apprehending (especially apprehending a criminal); the policeman on the beat got credit for the collar
[ Syn: apprehension , arrest , collar , pinch , taking into custody ]
the quantity that was caught; the catch was only 10 fish
[ Syn: haul ]
a person regarded as a good matrimonial prospect
[ Syn: match ]
anything that is caught (especially if it is worth catching); he shared his catch with the others'
a break or check in the voice (usually a sign of strong emotion)
a restraint that checks the motion of something; he used a book as a stop to hold the door open
[ Syn: stop ]
a fastener that fastens or locks a door or window
a cooperative game in which a ball is passed back and forth; he played catch with his son in the backyard'
the act of catching an object with the hands; Mays made the catch with his back to the plate; he made a grab for the ball before it landed; Martins snatch at the bridle failed and the horse raced away; the infielders snap and throw was a single motion
catch (n.)
discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state; She caught her son eating candy; She was caught shoplifting'
get or regain something necessary, usually quickly or briefly; Catch some sleep; catch one's breath'
catch up with and possibly overtake; The Rolls Royce caught us near the exit ramp
[ Syn: overtake , catch up with ]
be struck or affected by; catch fire; catch the mood'
check oneself during an action; She managed to catch herself before telling her boss what was on her mind'
hear, usually without the knowledge of the speakers; We overheard the conversation at the next table
see or watch; view a show on television; This program will be seen all over the world; view an exhibition; Catch a show on Broadway; see a movie
cause to become accidentally or suddenly caught, ensnared, or entangled; I caught the hem of my dress in the brambles'
detect a blunder or misstep; The reporter tripped up the senator
[ Syn: trip up ]
grasp with the mind or develop an understanding of; did you catch that allusion?; We caught something of his theory in the lecture; dont catch your meaning; did you get it?; She didnt get the joke; I just dont get him
[ Syn: get ]
contract; did you catch a cold?'
perceive with the senses quickly, suddenly, or momentarily; I caught the aroma of coffee; He caught the allusion in her glance; ears open to catch every sound; The dog picked up the scent; Catch a glimpse
[ Syn: pick up ]
start burning; The fire caught'
perceive by hearing; I didnt catch your name; She didnt get his name when they met the first time
[ Syn: get ]
suffer from the receipt of; She will catch hell for this behavior!
[ Syn: get ]
attract; cause to be enamored; She captured all the mens hearts
[ Syn: capture , enamour , trance , becharm , enamor , captivate , beguile , charm , fascinate , bewitch , entrance , enchant ]
apprehend and reproduce accurately; She really caught the spirit of the place in her drawings; She got the mood just right in her photographs
[ Syn: get ]
take in and retain; We have a big barrel to catch the rainwater'
spread or be communicated; The fashion did not catch'
be the catcher; Who is catching?'
become aware of; he caught her staring out the window'
delay or hold up; prevent from proceeding on schedule or as planned; I was caught in traffic and missed the meeting'
reach with a blow or hit in a particular spot; the rock caught her in the back of the head; The blow got him in the back; The punch caught him in the stomach
[ Syn: get ]
take hold of so as to seize or restrain or stop the motion of; Catch the ball!; Grab the elevator door!
[ Syn: grab , take hold of ]
succeed in catching or seizing, especially after a chase; We finally got the suspect; Did you catch the thief?
to hook or entangle; One foot caught in the stirrup
[ Syn: hitch ]
attract and fix; His look caught her; She caught his eye; Catch the attention of the waiter
capture as if by hunting, snaring, or trapping; I caught a rabbit in the trap today
[ Syn: capture ]
reach in time; I have to catch a train at 7 o'clock'