catch

IPA/kætʃ/
KK[kˈætʃ]IPA/kætʃ/

catch — 動詞

  • catchpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • catcheshe / she / it
  • caughtpast simple
  • catching-ing form

1. to use your hands to seize and hold an object while it travels through the air t

1.動詞及物 / 不及物A1
釋義

接住

抓住空中移動的物體

to use your hands to seize and hold an object while it travels through the air toward you, for instance a ball someone has thrown

例句

Quan caught the ball with one hand and threw it back to his friend.

Quan 用一隻手接住了球，然後丟回給他的朋友。

catch + [ball / thrown object]

The little girl ran across the yard trying to catch the falling leaves.

那個小女孩跑過院子，試圖接住飄落的樹葉。

常見搭配
  • catch a ball
  • catch a frisbee
  • catch something in mid-air
  • catch with both hands
同義詞
  • grab

    more sudden and less controlled; you grab at something rather than catching it neatly

  • snatch

    quick and forceful, often implying taking something away from someone

反義詞
  • drop

    let something fall from your hands

  • miss

    fail to catch something that was thrown or falling

文法句型

catch + [moving object]

intransitive: [subject] + catch

用法筆記

This sense can be used without an object in sports contexts: 'The new player can really catch.'

常見錯誤

She catched the ball.
She caught the ball.
'catch' is an irregular verb; the past form is 'caught', not 'catched'.

2. to go after someone or something that is escaping and take hold of them before t

2.動詞及物B1
釋義

捕捉

抓到逃跑的人或動物

to go after someone or something that is escaping and take hold of them before they can break free

例句

The police caught the thief after a short chase through the park.

警方在公園裡追了一小段路後，抓到了那個小偷。

catch + [escaped person] after chase

The dog ran out of the yard, but Samir caught him before the road.

那隻狗跑出了院子，但 Samir 在牠跑到馬路之前就攔住了牠。

常見搭配
  • catch a fish
  • catch a thief
  • catch an animal
  • caught by police
同義詞
  • capture

    more formal and often implies a planned operation rather than a spontaneous chase

  • trap

    using a device or trick to catch something, not a chase

反義詞
  • release

    to set free on purpose

  • escape

    what the person or animal does when they are not caught

文法句型

catch + [person/animal escaping]

用法筆記

Can be used for both people escaping from the law and animals trying to get free. In fishing, 'catch' refers to the amount of fish you have taken from the water.

常見錯誤

The police catched the robber.
The police caught the robber.
'catch' always becomes 'caught' in past tense, never 'catched'.

3. to see or find someone in the middle of doing something they should not be doing

3.動詞及物B2
釋義

撞見

發現某人正在做壞事

to see or find someone in the middle of doing something they should not be doing, especially something secret or against the rules

例句

The teacher caught two students copying answers from each other during the test.

老師抓到兩名學生在考試時互相抄襲答案。

catch + person + [verb]-ing for wrongdoing

Naoko caught her neighbour climbing over the fence late at night.

Naoko 撞見她的鄰居在深夜爬過圍欄。

常見搭配
  • catch someone doing something
  • catch someone in the act
  • catch someone cheating
  • caught red-handed
同義詞
  • discover

    more neutral; you can discover anything, not just wrongdoing

  • find out

    more general; can be about discovering facts, not necessarily catching someone in the act

反義詞
  • miss

    fail to see or notice the wrongdoing

  • overlook

    intentionally or accidentally not notice

文法句型

catch + [person] + [verb]-ing

用法筆記

Always followed by a person and then the -ing form of a verb describing the wrong action. The -ing form cannot be replaced with a to-infinitive or base verb.

常見錯誤

I caught him to steal.
I caught him stealing.
after 'catch' meaning discover, use the -ing form of the verb, not the to-infinitive.

4. to get and keep someone's attention or interest so that they notice and focus on

4.動詞及物B2
釋義

吸引

引起注意或興趣

to get and keep someone's attention or interest so that they notice and focus on something

例句

A bright red dress in the shop window caught Naoko's attention as she walked past.

櫥窗裡一件鮮紅色的洋裝吸引了 Naoko 的目光。

catch [someone's] attention

The loud music from the street caught everyone's ear during the afternoon meeting.

街上的大聲音樂在下午的會議中吸引了所有人的注意。

常見搭配
  • catch someone's attention
  • catch someone's eye
  • catch someone's interest
  • catch the fancy of
同義詞
  • attract

    more general; works with a wider range of objects (crowds, investments, criticism)

  • draw

    slightly more literary; 'draw someone's gaze' or 'draw attention'

反義詞
  • ignore

    deliberately not pay attention

  • escape

    when something does not get noticed: 'The mistake escaped her attention'

文法句型

catch + [someone's] attention/eye/interest

用法筆記

The subject of the sentence is always the thing that attracts, not the person. Commonly paired with nouns like 'attention', 'eye', 'interest', 'fancy', or 'ear'. The collocation 'catch someone's eye' can also mean to make eye contact deliberately.

常見錯誤

I catched her attention.
I caught her attention.' or 'The song caught her attention.
'caught' is the past form.

5. to find someone at a moment when they do not have something they need or expect,

5.動詞及物
釋義

措手不及

來不及準備或沒有需要的東西

to find someone at a moment when they do not have something they need or expect, leaving them unable to respond well

例句

Sorry, I cannot help right now — you have caught me at a busy moment.

抱歉，我現在沒辦法幫忙——你來得真不是時候。

catch someone at a [adjective] moment

Eve caught Quan without his wallet, so she kindly paid for both their lunches.

Eve 發現 Quan 沒帶錢包，所以就好心地幫他們兩個付了午餐錢。

catch someone without [needed item]

常見搭配
  • catch someone unprepared
  • catch someone off-guard
  • catch someone at a bad time
  • caught without
同義詞
  • surprise

    more neutral; can be good or bad, while 'catch without' usually implies a problem

  • take by surprise

    similar meaning but slightly more formal

反義詞

文法句型

catch + [person] + without + [noun]

catch + [person] + unprepared/off-guard

用法筆記

Often in the pattern 'catch someone without [noun]' or 'catch someone + adjective (unprepared, off-guard, napping)'. The passive form 'be caught without' is very common.

6. used to say strongly that someone will never do a particular thing because they

6.動詞
釋義

絕不；才不會

表示堅決不做某件事

used to say strongly that someone will never do a particular thing because they dislike it, disagree with it, or find it unacceptable

例句

You will not catch me eating raw fish — I cannot stand the taste of it.

你絕對不會看到我吃生魚——我受不了那個味道。

won't catch me + [verb]-ing — refusal

You will not catch Ignacio going bungee jumping; he is afraid of heights.

Ignacio 絕不會去玩高空彈跳；他有懼高症。

常見搭配
  • won't catch someone doing
  • won't catch someone + -ing
同義詞
  • refuse

    direct and straightforward, but less colourful than the idiom

  • wouldn't dream of

    similar strength but slightly more formal

反義詞
  • be happy to

    willing acceptance: 'I'd be happy to try it'

文法句型

won't catch + [person] + [verb]-ing

用法筆記

Always in the fixed expression 'you won't catch [someone] doing [something]'. The phrase is informal and expresses a strong personal position. The subject is usually 'you' as a general reference, not addressing a specific person.

常見錯誤

You won't catch me to eat that.
You won't catch me eating that.
use the -ing form after 'catch' in this expression, not the to-infinitive.

7. to get on an airplane, train, bus, or other form of public transport in order to

7.動詞及物A1
釋義

搭上；搭乘

乘坐火車、公車、飛機等交通工具

to get on an airplane, train, bus, or other form of public transport in order to travel somewhere

例句

Bilal caught the 7:15 train to commute into the city centre every morning.

Bilal 每天早晨搭上 7：15 的火車進城上班。

catch + [time] + [mode of transport] for journeys

Élise caught a direct flight from Paris to Tokyo for her cousin's wedding.

Élise 搭上一班從巴黎直飛東京的航班，去參加表姐的婚禮。

常見搭配
  • catch a train / bus / plane / flight / ferry
  • catch the 8:15 / the early morning flight
  • catch the express / the local bus
同義詞
  • take

    more general — 'take the bus' works for any journey; 'catch' emphasises being on time for a scheduled departure

  • board

    more formal; used mainly for planes and ships

反義詞
  • miss

    to fail to get on a train, bus, or plane because you arrived too late

文法句型

catch + [time] + [mode of transport]

catch + [mode of transport] + to [destination]

用法筆記

Object is always a scheduled form of public transport (train, bus, plane, ferry) — not a private vehicle.

常見錯誤

I caught my car to work this morning.
I caught the bus to work this morning.
'catch' is only used with public transport, not private vehicles.

8. to arrive early enough to see an event, watch a programme, or speak to someone b

8.動詞及物B1
釋義

趕上

及時抵達以免錯過活動或人

to arrive early enough to see an event, watch a programme, or speak to someone before it is too late

例句

Feng arrived just before nine and caught the beginning of the concert.

Feng 在九點前趕到，正好趕上音樂會的開場。

catch + [beginning/start] + of [event]

The night-shift nurse rushed home to catch the evening weather forecast.

那位大夜班的護士匆匆趕回家，正好趕上晚間氣象預報。

常見搭配
  • catch the beginning / start of [event]
  • catch [someone] before [they leave]
  • catch the end of [a film / a programme]
同義詞
  • make

    informal — 'make the show' means the same; 'catch' is slightly more neutral

反義詞
  • miss

    to fail to see or reach an event or person because you arrived late

文法句型

catch + [event/tv programme]

in time to catch + [event]

用法筆記

Unlike sense 7, the object here is an event or a person, not a vehicle. Frequently appears with 'in time to [catch]' or 'just in time to [catch]'.

常見錯誤

I caught the TV in time.
I caught the programme in time.
the object should be the event or programme, not the device.

9. to get sick from a germ, virus, or other infectious agent that enters your body

9.動詞及物A2
釋義

染上；感染

得到細菌或病毒引起的疾病

to get sick from a germ, virus, or other infectious agent that enters your body

例句

Tamar caught a bad cold after walking home through the heavy rain.

Tamar 冒著大雨走路回家後，染上了重感冒。

catch + a cold / flu / illness

The children in the class caught the flu during the winter term.

班上的孩子在冬季學期期間染上了流感。

常見搭配
  • catch a cold / flu / virus / infection / disease
  • catch [an illness] from [someone]
  • catch a bug / a stomach bug
同義詞
  • contract

    more formal; used mostly in medical or official writing

  • pick up

    informal; 'I picked up a bug somewhere'

  • come down with

    informal phrasal verb; focuses on the onset of symptoms

文法句型

catch + [illness]

catch + [illness] + from [person/place]

用法筆記

Frequently used with common illnesses (a cold, flu, chickenpox). More formal alternatives like 'contract' or 'become infected with' are used in medical contexts.

常見錯誤

I catched a cold.
I caught a cold.
'catch' is irregular: catch → caught → caught.

10. to pick up a sound or someone's words with your ears and know what they mean, pa

10.動詞及物B1
釋義

聽清；聽懂

設法聽清楚並理解所說的內容

to pick up a sound or someone's words with your ears and know what they mean, particularly when it is hard to hear clearly

例句

Brian caught a few words of the conversation before the door slammed shut.

Brian 在門砰地關上前，聽清了對話中的幾句話。

catch + words/details + of [conversation/speech]

Amelia tried to catch the main points of the news while cooking in the kitchen.

Amelia 一邊在廚房做飯，一邊設法聽清新聞的重點。

常見搭配
  • catch a name / a word / a few words
  • catch what [someone] said / was saying
  • didn't (quite) catch
  • could barely / hardly catch
同義詞
  • hear

    neutral and general; 'catch' adds the idea of effort or briefness

  • make out

    phrasal verb; 'I couldn't make out what he said' — similar difficulty nuance

文法句型

catch + [words/details/name] + of [speech/conversation]

can/could catch + [what is said]

didn't quite catch + [what was said]

用法筆記

Very common in the negative or with modifiers like 'barely', 'hardly', 'only just' — it implies effort or difficulty in hearing. Also used for quick visual perception (sense 12), but this sense focuses on auditory understanding.

常見錯誤

I caught what you said' (when hearing was easy).
I heard what you said
'catch' implies some effort or difficulty in hearing.

11. to visit a cinema, theatre, or performance space so that you can see a film, pla

11.動詞及物B1
釋義

觀看；欣賞

前往電影院或劇院觀賞節目

to visit a cinema, theatre, or performance space so that you can see a film, play, concert, or similar show

例句

Andrés and his classmates caught a late-night movie at the old cinema downtown.

Andrés 和同學們在市區老電影院看了一場深夜電影。

catch + a movie/film/play at [venue]

The theatre group caught a wonderful performance of the ballet last spring.

那個劇團去年春天欣賞了一場精彩的芭蕾舞表演。

常見搭配
  • catch a film / movie / play / show / concert / performance
  • catch the afternoon / evening show
  • catch [event] at [venue]
同義詞
  • see

    neutral and more common; 'catch' adds a casual, spontaneous feel

  • watch

    focuses on the act of watching; 'catch' emphasises attending the event

  • attend

    more formal; 'attend a concert'

文法句型

catch + [film/play/performance/show]

catch + [event] + at [venue]

用法筆記

Slightly informal compared to 'see' or 'attend'. Used especially in conversational English: 'Let's catch a movie tonight.'

常見錯誤

I caught a book at the library.
I caught a film at the cinema.
'catch' for watching only applies to performances and screenings, not reading material.

12. to see someone or something for only a moment, often without having time to look

12.動詞及物B2
釋義

瞥見；瞄到

短時間內快速看到某人或某物

to see someone or something for only a moment, often without having time to look closely

例句

Marta caught a glimpse of the famous actor stepping into the waiting car.

Marta 瞥見那位知名演員跨入等候的轎車中。

catch a glimpse of [person/thing] — brief sighting

Ada caught sight of a deer running through the woods near the hiking trail.

Ada 瞥見一頭鹿跑過健行步道附近的樹林。

catch sight of [person/animal/thing] — alternative pattern

常見搭配
  • catch a glimpse of
  • catch sight of
  • catch a view of
  • catch a flash of
同義詞
  • glimpse

    as a verb, more formal; 'glimpse' and 'catch a glimpse of' are similar in meaning

  • spot

    suggests noticing something among other things; 'I spotted a rare bird'

文法句型

catch a glimpse of + [person/thing]

catch sight of + [person/thing]

用法筆記

Almost always used with the noun phrases 'a glimpse of', 'sight of', or 'a view of' — it does not directly take a person or thing as object. Compare: 'I caught a glimpse of him' ✅ vs 'I caught him' ❌ (in this sense).

常見錯誤

I caught the celebrity at the airport' (when meaning briefly saw).
I caught a glimpse of the celebrity at the airport.
use 'catch a glimpse of' or 'catch sight of' for brief sightings.

13. to get and stay fixed to a surface or object without being able to move freely,

13.動詞及物 / 不及物C2
釋義

卡住；鉤住

被某物纏住或卡在縫隙中

to get and stay fixed to a surface or object without being able to move freely, or to cause something to become fixed in this way — for example, a zipper catching on a jacket lining, or a car door catching on a post.

例句

Otis's jacket zipper caught on the edge of the table as he walked past.

Otis 外套的拉鍊在走過桌邊時被桌緣卡住了。

intransitive: catch + on [surface]

The boat's rope caught around a rock under the water and held them in place.

船的繩索在水下繞住了一塊岩石，把他們困在原地。

常見搭配
  • catch on
  • catch in
  • catch around
  • get caught
同義詞
  • snag

    implies tearing or damaging the fabric while catching it

  • hook

    suggests being held by a curved object like a hook or branch

  • wedge

    describes being stuck tightly in a narrow space

反義詞
  • release

    to free something that was stuck

文法句型

catch + on/in/around [something]

catch + object + on/in [something]

用法筆記

Object of the preposition is usually a hard surface, a protruding object, or a narrow space (on a nail, in a crack, around a rock).

14. to come into sudden contact with something or someone, usually without meaning t

14.動詞及物B2
釋義

碰撞；擊中

無意中撞到或打到某物

to come into sudden contact with something or someone, usually without meaning to — for example, a swing catching someone on the chin, or a bag catching a table corner.

例句

A thick branch caught Samir on the shoulder as he walked through the garden.

一根粗樹枝在 Samir 穿過花園時打中了他的肩膀。

transitive: catch + body part + on [object]

Darius's elbow caught the glass vase and sent it crashing to the floor.

Darius 的手肘撞到了玻璃花瓶，把它打落在地摔碎了。

常見搭配
  • catch on
  • catch with
同義詞
  • strike

    more formal and can be intentional; 'catch' is always accidental

  • hit

    more general; 'catch' specifically suggests an unwanted glancing contact

文法句型

catch + [part of body] + on [something]

catch + [object] + and + [verb]

用法筆記

Unlike 'hit', which can be intentional or unintentional, 'catch' in this sense is always accidental. Subject is often a body part or an object being swung or moved.

常見錯誤

He intentionally caught the ball with his bat.
He intentionally hit the ball with his bat.
'catch' in this sense means accidentally hitting something, not striking a ball on purpose.

15. to end up in a difficult or unpleasant situation even though you did not plan or

15.動詞C2
釋義

捲入；陷入

被迫參與或處於不利的處境

to end up in a difficult or unpleasant situation even though you did not plan or wish to — for example, being caught in a storm, or caught up in an argument between friends.

例句

The children were caught in a sudden storm and arrived home soaking wet.

孩子們被困在一場突然降臨的暴風雨中，回到家時全身濕透。

passive: be caught in [weather/situation]

Caio found himself caught up in a heated debate about the new school rules.

Caio 發現自己陷入了一場關於新校規的激烈辯論。

常見搭配
  • caught in
  • caught up in
  • caught between
同義詞
反義詞
  • avoid

    to stay away from a situation

文法句型

be caught + in [situation]

be caught + up in [event/argument]

be caught + between [two forces]

用法筆記

Almost always used in the passive voice ('be/get caught'). The active form ('The storm caught the children') is occasionally possible but much less common. Distinguish from sense 3 (DISCOVER) where 'catch' means 'find someone doing wrong' — this sense is about being trapped in a situation, not being discovered.

常見錯誤

I caught in the rain yesterday.
I was caught in the rain yesterday.
This sense requires the passive form 'be caught' or 'get caught'.

16. to briefly pause from breathing because of a strong emotion such as fear or surp

16.動詞B1
釋義

屏息；緩氣

因驚訝暫停呼吸或運動後恢復正常呼吸

to briefly pause from breathing because of a strong emotion such as fear or surprise; or to return to a normal breathing speed after exercising — used in the phrase 'catch one's breath'.

例句

Mateo stopped at the top of the stairs to catch his breath.

Mateo 在樓梯頂端停下來喘口氣。

phrase: catch one's breath (after exercise)

Tamás caught his breath in surprise when he saw the messy kitchen.

Tamás 看到廚房亂成一團時，驚訝得屏住了呼吸。

phrase: catch one's breath (from shock)

常見搭配
  • catch one's breath
  • stop to catch one's breath
  • catch one's breath in surprise
同義詞
  • pause for breath

    less idiomatic, more literal; 'catch one's breath' is the standard fixed expression

文法句型

catch + possessive + breath

用法筆記

Commonly used in two distinct contexts: (a) recovery after exercise — 'stop to catch your breath'; (b) sudden intake of air from emotion — 'catch your breath in surprise'. Both use the same fixed phrase 'catch + possessive + breath' and the possessive always agrees with the subject.

常見錯誤

She catched her breath after running.
She caught her breath after running.
The past tense is 'caught', not 'catched'.

17. to have your skin change colour to red or brown as a result of being outdoors in

17.動詞B2
釋義

曬黑；曬傷

因在陽光下曝曬皮膚變色

to have your skin change colour to red or brown as a result of being outdoors in strong sunlight — used especially in British English in the phrase 'catch the sun'.

例句

Tamás caught the sun during his week-long holiday on the Greek coast.

Tamás 在希臘海岸為期一週的假期中曬黑了。

idiom: catch the sun (= get sunburnt)

Aaron's ears caught the sun and turned bright red despite the sunscreen.

Aaron 擦了防曬乳，但耳朵還是被曬得通紅。

常見搭配
  • catch the sun
同義詞
  • get sunburnt

    more international and literal; 'catch the sun' is a British idiom

  • get a tan

    implies a positive, desirable outcome; 'catch the sun' can be neutral or negative

文法句型

catch + the + sun

用法筆記

Primarily British English. Speakers of American English would typically say 'got sunburnt' or 'got a tan' instead. The phrase always uses the definite article 'the sun', never a possessive ('my sun').

18. to be hit by a source of light in a way that makes the surface appear bright, sh

18.動詞B2
釋義

反光

光線照射在物體上使其發亮

to be hit by a source of light in a way that makes the surface appear bright, shiny, or sparkly — used in the phrase 'catch the light'.

例句

The diamond on Sora's ring caught the light and sparkled across the restaurant.

Sora 戒指上的鑽石在燈光照射下閃閃發光，光芒照亮了整間餐廳。

idiom: catch the light (= shine when lit)

The old stained-glass window caught the afternoon sun and filled the room with colour.

古老的彩繪玻璃窗在午後陽光的照耀下，讓整個房間充滿了色彩。

常見搭配
  • catch the light
  • catch the sun
  • catch the sunlight
  • catch the morning light
同義詞
  • glint in the light

    describes a brief flash; 'catch the light' can describe a longer shine

  • gleam

    a verb meaning to shine softly; 'catch the light' emphasises the light source as the trigger

文法句型

catch + the + light / sun / sun's rays

用法筆記

The subject is always an object with a reflective or polished surface. The phrase can be used with 'light', 'sun', 'sunlight', 'sun's rays', or 'moonlight'. Common in descriptive and literary writing.

19. to start burning, usually because a flame or spark touches something

19.動詞不及物B1
釋義

著火

開始燃燒

to start burning, usually because a flame or spark touches something

例句

Soraya's scarf caught fire when she leaned too close to the candle.

Soraya 的圍巾靠蠟燭太近，不小心著火了。

collocation: catch fire

The dry leaves in the garden caught fire after lightning struck the tree.

花園裡的枯葉被雷擊中後起了火。

常見搭配
  • catch fire
同義詞
  • ignite

    more formal and technical; used for deliberate or chemical ignition

  • burst into flames

    more dramatic; describes sudden, intense burning

反義詞
  • go out

    stop burning; opposite process

  • extinguish

    formal; to put out a fire deliberately

文法句型

catch fire

用法筆記

Almost always used in the fixed phrase "catch fire." The subject is the object that burns, not the fire itself.

常見錯誤

The newspaper caught quickly.' (when meaning it started burning)
The newspaper caught fire quickly.
For sense 19, 'catch' alone is unusual; use 'catch fire' instead.

20. for wood, coal, or other fuel that is used in a fire to start burning

20.動詞不及物B1
釋義

燃起

燃料開始燃燒

for wood, coal, or other fuel that is used in a fire to start burning

例句

The damp firewood took a long time to catch, but it burned brightly once it started.

潮濕的柴火過了很久才燒起來，但一旦點著就燒得很旺。

intransitive: the fuel catches

Ari struck a match and held it to the kindling until it caught.

Ari 劃了一根火柴，湊到引火物旁直到它燒起來。

常見搭配
  • catch quickly
  • catch easily
  • refuse to catch
  • fail to catch
同義詞
  • ignite

    more formal; often used for deliberate lighting

  • take light

    less common; describes the moment a fire begins to burn steadily

反義詞
  • go out

    stop burning; opposite process

文法句型

catch (without 'fire')

用法筆記

Used without "fire" — the subject is the fuel that begins to burn. Often used with adverbs such as "quickly" or "easily", or after "refuse to" and "fail to."

常見錯誤

The wood caught fire.' (for fuel in a fireplace)
The wood caught.
For fuel that is meant to burn, 'catch' alone is more natural than 'catch fire.'

21. to show or copy something exactly in a picture, story, or performance, so that t

21.動詞及物B2
釋義

呈現

在藝術或表演中準確表現某種特質

to show or copy something exactly in a picture, story, or performance, so that the result feels true to the original

例句

Christopher's painting of his grandmother catches the warmth in her eyes.

Christopher 為祖母畫的肖像畫捕捉到了她眼中的溫暖。

pattern: catch + abstract quality (warmth, mood, spirit)

The novel catches the atmosphere of 1920s Paris with vivid description.

這本小說用細膩的文字呈現了 1920 年代巴黎的氛圍。

常見搭配
  • catch the mood
  • catch the atmosphere
  • catch the likeness
  • catch the essence
同義詞
  • capture

    interchangeable with 'catch' in this sense; equally common in art and photography

  • depict

    more formal and deliberate; focuses on the act of showing rather than accuracy

反義詞
  • miss

    fail to show or represent something accurately

文法句型

catch something

用法筆記

Common in reviews of art, literature, photography, and performances. The object is usually an abstract quality such as a mood, atmosphere, expression, gesture, or likeness.

片語動詞

be caught up in

phrasal verb

To become involved in something, often without wanting to.

陷入

He was caught up in the excitement of the crowd.

She got caught up in a traffic jam on her way home.

catch at

phrasal verb

To try to take or hold something quickly.

抓住

The drowning man caught at the rope thrown to him.

She caught at his sleeve to stop him leaving.

catch on

phrasal verb

To become popular or understood.

流行起來

The new dance craze quickly caught on with teenagers.

It took a while for the joke to catch on with the audience.

catch out

phrasal verb

To discover that someone is doing something wrong or lying.

揭穿

The detective caught out the suspect with a clever question.

She was caught out when her story didn't match the facts.

catch up

phrasal verb

To reach the same level or position as someone ahead.

趕上

Run faster, or you won't catch up with the group.

After missing a week, he had to catch up on homework.

catch up on

phrasal verb

To do something that you have not had time to do.

補做

I need to catch up on my sleep this weekend.

She used the flight to catch up on reading.

catch up with

phrasal verb

To reach someone who is ahead by going faster.

追上

He ran fast to catch up with the bus.

The police finally caught up with the escaped prisoner.

get caught up in

phrasal verb

To become involved in something, often unexpectedly.

捲入

Don't get caught up in their argument; stay out of it.

She got caught up in the excitement of the parade.

慣用語

be/get caught in the middle

idiom

To become involved in a disagreement between two other people or groups.

陷入兩難之間

When my parents argue, I often get caught in the middle.

Maya was caught in the middle of her friends' fight.

be caught short

idiom

To suddenly need to go to the toilet urgently.

突然想上廁所

During the long car ride, Diego was caught short.

Sara was caught short and had to find a restroom quickly.

be (caught) in a cleft stick

idiom

To be in a difficult situation where any choice leads to bad results.

進退兩難

The manager was caught in a cleft stick between budget cuts.

Aiden found himself in a cleft stick with both options bad.

(caught/stuck) between a rock and a hard place

idiom

In a situation where you must choose between two unpleasant things.

左右為難

Lina was between a rock and a hard place at work.

Between a rock and a hard place, Tom chose to quit.

catch your breath

idiom

To stop breathing for a moment because of fear or surprise.

倒吸一口氣

When the car nearly hit him, he caught his breath.

Mia caught her breath when she saw the huge spider.

catch a cold

idiom

To become ill with a cold.

感冒

Jake caught a cold after playing in the rain.

Did you catch a cold from your sister?

catch your death (of cold)

idiom

To catch a very bad cold.

得重感冒

Go inside or you'll catch your death of cold.

Without a coat, she'll catch her death.

catch somebody’s eye

idiom

To attract someone's attention.

引起注意

The bright red dress caught her eye in the store.

Can you catch the waiter's eye for the bill?

catch/take somebody’s fancy

idiom

To attract or please someone.

吸引某人

The little puppy caught the girl's fancy immediately.

Which book takes your fancy from this shelf?

catch it

idiom

To be punished or told off angrily.

挨罵

If Mom finds out, you'll really catch it.

Tom caught it from his boss for being late.

catch somebody napping

idiom

To get an advantage by doing something when someone is not ready.

趁人不備

The sudden question caught the student napping.

Our team caught them napping with a quick goal.

catch somebody on the hop

idiom

To surprise someone by doing something when they are not ready.

使措手不及

The pop quiz caught the class on the hop.

His sudden arrival caught me on the hop.

catch/touch somebody on the raw

idiom

To upset someone by mentioning a sensitive topic.

觸及痛處

Her comment about his weight caught him on the raw.

The joke touched her on the raw, and she left.

catch somebody red-handed

idiom

To catch someone in the act of doing something wrong.

當場抓獲

The police caught the thief red-handed stealing a car.

Mom caught me red-handed eating the cake.

catch somebody with their pants down

idiom

To surprise someone when they are not ready, especially in an embarrassing situation.

抓個正著

The reporter caught the politician with his pants down.

She caught him with his pants down during the exam.

the early bird catches the worm

idiom

The person who acts early gets an advantage over others.

早起的鳥兒有蟲吃

Remember, the early bird catches the worm, so wake up early.

She got the best seats because the early bird catches the worm.

(catch/throw somebody) off balance

idiom

To make someone unsteady or surprised, causing them to lose control.

使失去平衡

The strong wind threw the cyclist off balance.

His unexpected question caught the speaker off balance.

(put/catch somebody) on the back foot

idiom

To put someone at a disadvantage or in a difficult position.

使處於劣勢

The new regulations put small businesses on the back foot.

Her quick argument caught him on the back foot.

catch — 名詞

同根字

常見搭配

名詞搭配

副詞搭配

常用片語

介系詞搭配