catch-all
/ˈkætʃ.ɔːl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈkætʃ.ɑːl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈkætʃ ɔːl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈkætʃ ɔːl/ (ame, ipa)
catch-all — adjective
1. broad enough to cover many different cases at once, often without making useful
broad enough to cover many different cases at once, often without making useful distinctions between them.
The new policy uses catch-all language that lets managers decide case by case.
catch-all + noun
Adina criticized the report's catch-all label for mixing very different diseases together.
critical use with labels
The website asks one catch-all question instead of separate questions about each service.
Teachers wanted clearer terms, not a catch-all rule for every classroom problem.
文法句型
catch-all + noun
用法筆記
Usually placed before a noun such as rule, label, term, or policy. It often suggests that the grouping is too broad and hides important differences.
常見錯誤
catch-all — noun
1. a single label, category, or explanation used for many cases, often without show
a single label, category, or explanation used for many cases, often without showing the important differences between them.
The doctor said 'stress' had become a catch-all for problems nobody had studied properly.
a catch-all for + noun
In the meeting, Christopher called the word 'support' a catch-all that explained nothing.
critical use in discussion
The survey used income as a catch-all for class, opportunity, and social power.
Many parents dislike school rules that use 'behavior' as a catch-all term.
- umbrella term
often more neutral and useful, without the criticism that the grouping is vague
- blanket label
emphasizes that one label is applied too widely
- broad category
neutral and descriptive, less critical than catch-all
- specific term
names one clear idea instead of many loosely joined ones
- precise label
shows careful classification rather than vague grouping
文法句型
a catch-all for + noun
use something as a catch-all
用法筆記
Commonly followed by for when naming what gets grouped together. This sense is often slightly critical because it suggests the wording is lazy, unclear, or too wide.
常見錯誤
2. a tray, bowl, or similar container where people put mixed small things so they s
a tray, bowl, or similar container where people put mixed small things so they stay together in one place.
Maeve emptied her pockets into the wooden catch-all beside the front door.
put something into a catch-all
Lan keeps receipts, coins, and hair ties in a catch-all on her desk.
a catch-all on a desk
At the hotel, guests dropped room keys into a brass catch-all near the lift.
Dylan bought a leather catch-all to stop loose chargers covering the table.
文法句型
put/drop something into a catch-all
a catch-all on/by + place
用法筆記
Usually refers to a small household container near an entrance, bedside table, or desk. It is commonly used for keys, coins, receipts, chargers, and other loose items.