C
Idioms beginning with "C"
Part of speech, explanation, example sentences, pronunciation
No categories:
Contents of C:
[catch it in the neck] or [get it in the neck] {v. phr.}, {slang}
To be blamed or punished.
Tom got it in the neck because he forgot to close the windows when it rained.
Students get it in the neck when they lose library books.
Compare: […]
[catch off balance] {v. phr.}
To confront someone with physical force or with a statement or question he or she is not prepared to answer or deal with; to exploit the disadvantage of another.
* /The smaller wrestler caught his opponent off balance and […]
[catch off guard] {v. phr.}
To challenge or confront a person at a time of lack of preparedness or sufficient care.
The suspect was caught off guard by the detective and confessed where he had hidden the stolen car.
[catch on] {v.}, {informal}
1. To understand; learn about. — Often used with "to".
You'll catch on to the job after you've been here awhile.
Don't play any tricks on Joe. When he catches on, he will beat you.
2. To become popular; be done or […]
[catch one's breath] {v. phr.}
1. To breathe in suddenly with fear or surprise.
The beauty of the scene made him catch his breath.
Compare: [TAKE ONE'S BREATH AWAY].
2a. To rest and get back your normal breathing, as after running.
* /After […]
[catch one's death of] or [take one's death of] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To become very ill with (a cold, pneumonia, flu).
Johnny fell in the icy water and almost took his death of cold.
Sometimes used in the short form "catch your death."
* […]
[catch one's eye] {v. phr.}
To attract your attention.
I caught his eye as he moved through the crowd, and waved at him to come over.
The dress in the window caught her eye when she passed the store.
[catch red-handed] {v. phr.}
To apprehend a person during the act of committing an illicit or criminal act.
Al was caught red-handed at the local store when he was trying to walk out with a new camera he had not paid for.
[catch sight of] {v. phr.}
To see suddenly or unexpectedly.
Allan caught sight of a kingbird in a maple tree.
Contrast: [LOSE SIGHT OF].
[catch some rays] {v. phr.}, {slang}, {informal}
To get tanned while sunbathing.
Tomorrow I'll go to the beach and try to catch some rays.