catch-all
/ˈkætʃ.ɔːl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈkætʃ.ɑːl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈkætʃ ɔːl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈkætʃ ɔːl/ (ame, ipa)
catch-all — 形容詞
1. broad enough to cover many different cases at once, often without making useful
包羅萬象的
想把各種情況都算進去
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.
這項新政策用了包羅萬象的措辭，讓主管可以逐案決定。
catch-all + noun
Adina criticized the report's catch-all label for mixing very different diseases together.
Adina 批評那份報告用了包羅萬象的標籤，把差異很大的疾病混在一起。
critical use with labels
The website asks one catch-all question instead of separate questions about each service.
那個網站只問一個包羅萬象的問題，而不是分別詢問每項服務。
Teachers wanted clearer terms, not a catch-all rule for every classroom problem.
老師們想要更清楚的用語，而不是把每個課堂問題都套進同一條包羅萬象的規則。
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 — 名詞
1. a single label, category, or explanation used for many cases, often without show
籠統說法
把很多情況混成一類的稱呼
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.
那位醫師說，「壓力」已經變成一種籠統說法，用來指很多根本沒被好好研究的問題。
a catch-all for + noun
In the meeting, Christopher called the word 'support' a catch-all that explained nothing.
在會議上，Christopher 說「支持」這個字只是個籠統說法，根本沒有說明任何內容。
critical use in discussion
The survey used income as a catch-all for class, opportunity, and social power.
那份調查把「收入」當成籠統說法，用來概括階級、機會與社會權力。
Many parents dislike school rules that use 'behavior' as a catch-all term.
許多家長不喜歡學校規定把「行為」當成一種籠統說法。
- 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
雜物盒
裝零碎小物的開放式容器
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.
Maeve 把口袋裡的東西倒進前門旁的木製雜物盒。
put something into a catch-all
Lan keeps receipts, coins, and hair ties in a catch-all on her desk.
Lan 把收據、硬幣和髮圈都放在她桌上的雜物盒裡。
a catch-all on a desk
At the hotel, guests dropped room keys into a brass catch-all near the lift.
在那家旅館裡，住客會把房卡丟進電梯旁的黃銅雜物盒。
Dylan bought a leather catch-all to stop loose chargers covering the table.
Dylan 買了一個皮製雜物盒，好讓散落的充電線不要鋪滿桌面。
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.