catch air
to receive attention or publicity
English · UK & Ireland 17968
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Where will you be? Anywhere UK & IrelandUnited StatesOnline slangBusiness jargon
Expressions you’ll hear in Britain and Ireland — distinctly British usage first, then widespread staples.
catch and release
to arrest or detain someone and then immediately release them
catch as catch can
to take or deal with things as they come
catch big air
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
catch dust
To be unused or neglected for a long time
catch feelings
to develop emotional attachment or romantic feelings
catch fire
become suddenly popular or successful
catch flies
To catch someone off guard or unprepared
catch hands
to help or support someone
catch heat
Receive criticism or opposition
catch hell
Receive severe criticism or punishment
catch it
understand or hear something
catch napping
To surprise someone who is unprepared or off guard
catch of the day
The most attractive or popular thing available at a particular time
catch on
become popular or understood
catch one's breath
to rest and recover after exertion
catch one's death
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
catch red-handed
Caught in the act of doing something wrong
catch sight of
See something or someone briefly
catch some rays
to get some sunshine
catch some z's
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
catch someone napping
To surprise someone who is unprepared or off guard
catch someone's drift
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
catch someone's eye
attract someone's attention
catch the eye
Attract someone's attention
catch the sun
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
cattle call
An audition where many people are seen briefly
caucus race
A chaotic or disorganized competition
caught short
Lacking something, especially money, when needed
caught up
Completely absorbed or engaged in something
caught with one's pants down
Caught off guard or unprepared
cause a stir
Create excitement or controversy
cause and effect
A relationship where one event leads to another
cautionary tale
A story that warns about the consequences of certain actions
caviar to the general
Something wasted on someone who doesn't appreciate it
cede the field
To withdraw or surrender, often due to being outmatched or overwhelmed.
celtic curse
Alleged curse said to afflict a sports team
center field
a key or central position
center part
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
centrelink time
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
chalk and cheese
completely different
chalk and talk
a teaching method using blackboard and lecture
chalk off
to dismiss or ignore something
chalk something up to experience
Regard a failure as a learning experience
chalk up to
regard as due to a particular reason
champagne taste on a beer budget
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
chance upon
To find or encounter something by accident
chance'd be a fine thing
something is unlikely to happen
chances are
it is likely or probable that
change collars
To change jobs or careers
change hands
be sold or transferred to a new owner
change horses in midstream
To switch to a new approach or leader during a difficult situation
change of clothes
A different set of clothes
change of heart
A reversal of one's feelings or decision
change of life
A significant period of transition or transformation in life
change of pace
A new or different experience that breaks up routine
change of scenery
A new environment or situation to refresh one's mind
change of tack
To suddenly change one's approach or direction
change one's battery
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
change one's mind
Decide something different from what was previously thought
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