C

[catch-as-catch-can]  {adj. phr.}

Using any means or method; unplanned; free.

Rip van Winkle seems to have led a catch-as-catch-can life.

Politics is rather a catch-as-catch-can business.

Compare: [HIT-OR-MISS].

[catch at]  {v.}

1. To try to catch suddenly; grab for.

The boy on the merry-go-round caught at the brass ring, but did not get it.

2. To seize quickly; accept mentally or physically.

The hungry man caught at the sandwich and began to eat.

*  […]

[catch at a straw]

See: [GRASP AT STRAWS].

[catch cold]  {v. phr.}

1. or [take cold]

To get a common cold-weather sickness that causes a running nose, sneezing, and sometimes sore throat and fever or other symptoms.

Don't get your feet wet or you'll catch cold.

2.  {informal}

To catch  […]

[catch (someone) dead]  {v. phr.},  {informal}

To see or hear (someone) in an embarrassing act or place at any time. Used in the negative usually in the passive.

You won't catch Bill dead taking his sister to the movies.

* /John wouldn't be caught  […]

[catch fire]  {v. phr.}

1. To begin to burn.

When he dropped a match in the leaves, they caught fire.

2. To become excited.

The audience caught fire at the speaker's words and began to cheer.

[catch flat-footed]

See: [FLAT-FOOTED] (2).

[catch forty winks]

See: [FORTY WINKS].

[catch hold of]  {v. phr.}

To grasp a person or a thing.

"I've been trying to catch hold of you all week," John said, "but you were out of town."

[catch it] or [get it]  {v. phr.},  {informal}

To be scolded or punished. — Usually used of children.

John knew he would catch it when he came home late for supper.

Wow, Johnny! When your mother sees those torn pants, you're going to get it.

 […]