meaning of there's a catch

• Rules/Help/FAQ Help/FAQ
• Members Current visitors
• Interface Language

Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.

Note: This feature currently requires accessing the site using the built-in Safari browser.

• English Only

there is a catch

• Thread starter pratiyaz
• Start date Mar 14, 2008
• Mar 14, 2008

All, I would like to know about the phrase: "there is a catch". What does it mean? Do you have a couple of samples of it? Thanks in advance Pratiyaz  

Senior Member

In this context a catch is a drawback or difficulty that is not readily evident. It sounds like a good plan but what's the catch? I will write more examples; the catch is that you need to pay me with cash before you can read them.  

It is where someone says they will do something for someone else, but there is a "catch" involved, meaning that the other person has to do something in return. If it's only one person offering a favor genuinely, then there is "no catch." Officer: Okay, I'm willing to help get you out of jail. Inmate: What's the catch? Officer: You have to tell me what you know about Jane Mendoza's death.  

occlith and Hauser, thanks for your prompt reply Can I say that the phrase is used when there is a prerequisite? The context of my prior question is as follows: "I would like to buy your product. There is a catch. I need them by the end of this week. Can you guarantee I get them? If so, bla bla bla..."  

pratiyaz said: occlith and Hauser, thanks for your prompt reply Can I say that the phrase is used when there is a prerequisite? The context of my prior question is as follows: "I would like to buy your product. There is a catch. I need them by the end of this week. Can you guarantee I get them? If so, bla bla bla..." Click to expand...

Ok. Thanks a lot.  

In general, a "catch" is a snag, something that interferes, usually something that makes a big negative difference, though it might be seen as something small.  

• Jan 10, 2021

So what if there was more than one? Would it still be a catch or become catches? I've never come across "but there are a few catches to this".  

• Jan 11, 2021

Sheikh_14 said: So what if there was more than one? Would it still be a catch or become catches? I've never come across "but there are a few catches to this". Click to expand...

Interesting so it would be correct to say "but there are catches: a) you have to x b) you should y and c) there must be z"?  

Sheikh_14 said: Interesting so it would be correct to say "but there are catches: a) you have to x b) you should y and c) there must be z"? Click to expand...

• English (US)
• Spanish (Spain)

What does There's a catch. mean? See a translation

• Report copyright infringement

• Simplified Chinese (China) Near fluent
• English (UK)

there's a catch means like there is a certain condition. for example, I will buy that bag for you but there's a catch, you have to pay for our dinner.

• What does it mean " i catch you on the hop"
• You'll catch a cold dressing like that! Does this sound natural?
• It's too good to be true, what's the catch? Does this sound natural?
• What does One day or day one.You decide. mean?
• What does 1. what does cream pie means? is it slang? 2. when this word is suitable in use "puppy...
• What does breedable mean?
• What does sub , dom , vanilla , switch mean?
• What does rest well mean?
• What does Professional relationships mean?
• What does Chill ( I know the literal translation) mean?
• What does door ajar mean?
• What does This cheese has been gone off mean?
• What does binder mean?
• What does That scarlet fever did a number on me mean?
• What does But getting ready for one sure was fun. mean?
• What does spaleen? mean?
• What does office perk mean?
• ¡Hola! Can someone help me to know if this 👇🏻: 'Mi vuelo entra las 10 am miércoles noche. Pero ...
• What does receptionist mean?

The Language Level symbol shows a user's proficiency in the languages they're interested in. Setting your Language Level helps other users provide you with answers that aren't too complex or too simple.

Has difficulty understanding even short answers in this language.

Can ask simple questions and can understand simple answers.

Can ask all types of general questions and can understand longer answers.

Can understand long, complex answers.

Show your appreciation in a way that likes and stamps can't.

By sending a gift to someone, they will be more likely to answer your questions again!

If you post a question after sending a gift to someone, your question will be displayed in a special section on that person’s feed.

Solve your problems more easily with the app!

• Find the answer you're looking for from 45 million answers logged!
• Enjoy the auto-translate feature when searching for answers!
• It’s FREE!!

• What does There's a cat...

English The Easy Way

Everybody can learn english.

• English Idioms

There Is A Catch

• English Idioms "T"

There Is A Catch - there is a complication; there is a trick; someone is not being 100% honest

• The store offered me a free TV, but I know there is a catch . I do not want to TV.
• The man offered me cheap tickets to the football game. Is there a catch?
• What is the catch ? The deal is to good to be true.
• We were going to buy a new car, but we realized there was a catch .
• Our boss told us we can go home early, but there must be a catch .
• The man told us if we buy a new car, than he will give us a free trip to Europe. There is a catch .

Trigger Happy

Take A Crack At

Talk Is Cheap

Time Management

Time For A Change

To Jump Out Of My Skin

Tough Cookie

Time And Time Again

Through Thick And Thin

Total Package

Two Left Feet

Table Scraps

Top Of The Line

True Colors

Talk Of The Town

Test The Waters

Tear My Hair Out

Think Outside The Box

Take A Load Off Your Feet

Top Of The Top

Turn A Blind Eye

Take A Stab At

Touch And Go

Take A Break

Throw Under The Bus

Take For A Ride

Take The Cake

Take Forty Winks

Take It Or Leave It

Time Will Tell

Take Your Time

The End Of The Line

Throw The Book At Someone

The Cream Of The Crop

Twenty-Four Seven - 24/7

Two Peas In A Pod

Take It Slow

The Straw That Brok The Camel's Back

The Whole Nine Yards

Take It Easy

Time Is Money

Take It With A Grain Of Salt

The Last Straw

The Lights Are On But Nobody Is Home

Tearing Me Apart

Throw In The Towel

The Proof Is In The Pudding

Train Wreck

Tie The Knot

More English Idioms

English Idioms By Subject

English Idioms Beginning With A

English Idioms Beginning With B

English Idioms Beginning With C

English Idioms Beginning With D

English Idioms Beginning With E

English Idioms Beginning With F

English Idioms Beginning With G

English Idioms Beginning With H

English Idioms Beginning With I - J

English Idioms Beginning With K

English Idioms Beginning With L

English Idioms Beginning With M

English Idioms Beginning With N

English Idioms Beginning With O

English Idioms Beginning With P - Q

English Idioms Beginning With R

English Idioms Beginning With S

English Idioms Beginning With T

English Idioms Beginning With U - W - X - Y - Z

English Idioms Quiz #1

• Cambridge Dictionary +Plus

Meaning of catch in English

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 audio

catch verb ( TAKE HOLD )

• catch Catch the ball!
• pounce The veteran striker pounced and lashed home a goal.
• snag US He snagged the line drive for the last out in the inning.
• glove It's a pop fly to left field, and the outfielder gloves it easily.
• intercept She intercepted the pass and scored a goal.
• Jenny stood with her feet slightly apart , ready to catch the ball .
• He caught the rope and knotted it around a post .
• She caught the ball in mid-air .
• He caught me at the precise moment that I fainted .
• She bought a net to catch butterflies .
• apprehension
• at bay idiom
• get/lay/put your hands on someone idiom
• grasp at something
• sequestration

catch verb ( STOP ESCAPING )

• catch They were caught trying to smuggle cigarettes across the border.
• arrest He was arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage to property.
• place/put under arrest The suspect was placed under arrest and charged with armed assault.
• capture The soldiers were captured by enemy forces.
• apprehend The police have apprehended two individuals in connection with the crime.
• nab The cops nabbed him as he tried to get away.
• catch The dog got out, but we caught her.
• net We netted a ton of fish downstream.
• trawl Commercial fisheries trawl these waters for cod.
• troll They troll for tuna far offshore.
• lasso The cowboys learned at a young age how to lasso horses and steers.
• trap The turtles are trapped for their flesh.
• Police set up roadblocks on all roads out of the town in an effort to catch the bombers .
• Soldiers who deserted and were caught were shot .
• The robber was caught when someone tipped off the police .
• Thousands of illegal immigrants are caught and deported every year .
• I caught the dog by the collar and dragged it out of the room .

catch verb ( DISCOVER )

• She was fired after she was caught stealing from her employer .
• She was caught driving at 120 mph .
• I caught him looking through my private papers .
• He caught me staring out of the window .
• It's embarrassing to be caught telling a lie .
• accommodate
• accommodation
• all eyes are on someone/something idiom
• have a butcher's idiom
• penetrating
• rest on someone/something

catch verb ( GET TRANSPORT )

• We caught the ferry across to Ireland.
• We caught the overnight flight from LA and got to New York at five this morning .
• She caught the train to Edinburgh.
• Do you get out of breath running to catch a bus ?
• We arrived at the airport just in time to catch the plane .
• around Robin Hood's barn idiom
• communication
• super-commuting
• transoceanic
• well travelled

You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:

catch verb ( BECOME INFECTED )

• Don't come too near me - you might catch my cold .
• Don't go out with wet hair , you might catch a chill .
• I'm feeling a bit feverish - I hope I haven't caught the flu .
• I don't know exactly what's wrong with her - she's caught some sort of virus .
• A lot of children in the school caught measles last term .
• communicability
• community transmission
• contact tracer
• contact tracing
• non-communicable
• non-infected
• non-infectious
• noncontagious
• transferable
• transmissibility
• transmissible
• transmittable

catch verb ( SEE/HEAR )

• be all ears idiom
• eavesdropper
• eavesdropping
• lend an ear idiom
• prick (something) up
• sensorineural

catch verb ( STICK )

• break into pieces
• disintegration
• fall to pieces idiom
• fragmentation
• tear something apart

catch verb ( HIT )

• anti-collision
• bang around
• bowl someone over
• plough into something/someone
• run (something) into something/someone
• run someone/something down
• smash something up

catch verb ( INVOLVE )

Catch verb ( breathe ), catch verb ( be touched by ), catch verb ( burn ).

• burn (something) down
• combustible
• noncombustible
• on fire idiom
• self-immolation
• spontaneous combustion

Phrasal verbs

Catch noun ( catching sth ), catch noun ( problem ).

• a (heavy) cross to bear idiom
• ball and chain
• be dead meat idiom
• be in the clear idiom
• stumbling block
• teething troubles
• thorn in your flesh/side idiom

catch noun ( NOTICING STH )

Catch noun ( fastening device ).

• combination
• combination lock
• mortise lock
• skeleton key

catch noun ( SUITABLE PARTNER )

Catch noun ( stiffness ).

• anti-plaque
• anti-rachitic
• bone density
• carpal tunnel syndrome
• growing pains
• herniated disc
• housemaid's knee
• maxillofacial
• myelomeningocele
• osteoarthritis
• tennis elbow
• trigger finger

catch | American Dictionary

Catch verb ( see ), catch verb ( travel ), catch noun ( device ), catch noun ( taking hold ), catch | business english, examples of catch, collocations with catch.

These are words often used in combination with catch .

Click on a collocation to see more examples of it.

Translations of catch

Get a quick, free translation!

Word of the Day

cure someone of something

to stop someone doing or wanting something bad

Understanding AI jargon: Artificial intelligence vocabulary

Learn more with +Plus

• Recent and Recommended {{#preferredDictionaries}} {{name}} {{/preferredDictionaries}}
• Definitions Clear explanations of natural written and spoken English English Learner’s Dictionary Essential British English Essential American English
• Grammar and thesaurus Usage explanations of natural written and spoken English Grammar Thesaurus
• Pronunciation British and American pronunciations with audio English Pronunciation
• English–Chinese (Simplified) Chinese (Simplified)–English
• English–Chinese (Traditional) Chinese (Traditional)–English
• English–Dutch Dutch–English
• English–French French–English
• English–German German–English
• English–Indonesian Indonesian–English
• English–Italian Italian–English
• English–Japanese Japanese–English
• English–Norwegian Norwegian–English
• English–Polish Polish–English
• English–Portuguese Portuguese–English
• English–Spanish Spanish–English
• Dictionary +Plus Word Lists
• catch (TAKE HOLD)
• catch (STOP ESCAPING)
• catch (DISCOVER)
• catch someone's attention, imagination, interest, etc.
• be caught without something
• you won't catch someone doing something
• catch (GET TRANSPORT)
• catch (BECOME INFECTED)
• catch (SEE/HEAR)
• catch sight of/catch a glimpse of
• catch (STICK)
• catch (HIT)
• catch (INVOLVE)
• get caught up in something
• catch (BREATHE)
• catch your breath
• catch (BE TOUCHED BY)
• catch the sun
• catch the light
• catch (BURN)
• catch (CATCHING STH)
• catch (PROBLEM)
• catch (NOTICING STH)
• catch (FASTENING DEVICE)
• catch (SUITABLE PARTNER)
• catch (STIFFNESS)
• catch (SEE)
• catch (TRAVEL)
• catch (DEVICE)
• catch (TAKING HOLD)
• catch sb off guard/by surprise
• catch sb's eye/catch the eye of sb
• be/get caught up in sth
• Collocations
• Translations
• All translations

Add catch to one of your lists below, or create a new one.

{{message}}

Something went wrong.

There was a problem sending your report.

What does catch mean in slang?

If someone tells you there’s a catch, it means there is a complication , but if a person is a catch, he or she makes a good romantic partner. Definitions of catch.

Simply so What is the meaning of catch me? Definition: Talk to or meet with me later . The phrase catch me later is an informal way of telling someone that you are too busy to address his or her concern at the present time. This phrase can be used in a few different contexts. A similar phrase, catch me some other time, carries the same meaning as catch me later.

What is to catch someone out? 1 : to detect in error or wrongdoing caught him out committing perjury. 2 : to take unawares or by surprise.

also What does it mean to catch someone doing something? 1. verb To see, and perhaps apprehend , someone in the act of doing something (often something nefarious). … verb To hear and/or understand something that has been said. I’m sorry, I didn’t catch that last part.

What makes a person a catch?

A catch is independent .

In the long run, you need someone who has her own interests and passions. You need someone who doesn’t reinvent herself for each and every man she dates. You need someone who feels comfortable traveling alone, and who isn’t nagging you about going out without her.

What is a catch in dating? Originally Answered: What does it mean if someone is a catch in dating terms? It’s kind of an old-fashioned term for someone who is desirable in a traditional way . That is, a man who is wealthy, good-looking, etc., or a woman who is good-looking, affectionate, etc.

How do you know if you’re a catch?

15 Signs The Guy You’re Dating Is Actually A “Catch”!

• He compliments you when you least expect it. …
• When you’re out with your girlfriends, there are hardly any texts/calls from him. …
• He’s always encouraging you to chase your dreams! …
• He’s the only person on the planet who can calm you down.

How do you catch a woman?

• 14 Key Strategies to Become Highly Irresistible and a Great Catch. …
• Make Others Feel Valued and Special. …
• Become the Best Possible You. …
• Be Kind and Considerate to Others. …
• Lead a Life of Purpose. …
• Get Clear About What You Desire in a Relationship. …
• Take Great Self-Care. …
• Keep Your Future Love-Nest Tidy and Clutter-Free.

How do you know if he is a catch?

10 Signs Your Man Is A Great Catch

• He’s proud of you and he shows it. …
• You can be emotional in front of him without feeling awkward. …
• You don’t have much to contribute to girly bitching sessions. …
• He doesn’t constantly post about your relationship on Facebook. …
• He values your friendships. …
• He shares common interests with you.

How do you know if she’s a catch? 11 Obvious Signs She’s A Keeper

• She’s supportive. She’s a fan of all our endeavours, and doesn’t delight in belittling us, mocking our efforts or generally ruining our mojo. …
• She’s a good person. …
• She’s honest. …
• You can bring her home to meet your mom… …
• The chemistry is there. …
• The ‘ex’ factor. …
• The three Fs. …
• She gives us space…

How do you tell if a man is a catch?

What does she’s a catch mean? A “keeper” is a person or thing that is very desirable – something that you want to keep. A ”catch” is similar – it means a person or thing that you were very lucky to get . We say “He’s a keeper” because he is a very good person.

What is a good catch for a man?

A great guy should look straight into your eyes when he is talking to you . He needs to look and seem genuinely interested in what you have to say. He must have good diction while engaging in a conversation with an active attitude. Any guy who isn’t direct is weak.

How do you know she’s a catch?

11 Obvious Signs She’s A Keeper

Is Riesling a white wine?

What does the word Baja mean?

What does Toey mean in Thailand?

What does Hab mean squad?

How do you catch a man? Here are some tips and tricks from relationship and matchmaking experts that can help you get a man to focus his attention on you.

• Smile. TODAY. …
• Don’t hide in the corner. …
• Ask for his help. …
• Talk about your hobbies. …
• Don’t dress for your girlfriends. …
• Look him in the eye. …
• Avoid the obvious. …
• Go out alone or with one other friend.

What does it mean when a girl says you are a catch? Originally Answered: What does a “you are a catch” mean? Basically, it’s telling someone that others would be lucky to have them around . It’s usually used between friends or acquantances to describe the other’s partner and to establish that they believe their partner is attractive due to their looks or personality.

What is a good catch person?

From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English a (good) catch someone who is a good person to have a relationship with or to marry because they are rich, attractive etc – often used humorously → catchExamples from the Corpusa (good) catch• He went to it at once, looking for a catch, a way of releasing it, but there was …

What does a good catch mean? From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English a (good) catch someone who is a good person to have a relationship with or to marry because they are rich, attractive etc – often used humorously → catchExamples from the Corpusa (good) catch• He went to it at once, looking for a catch, a way of releasing it, but there was …

What makes a woman a keeper?

Is strong and has good character . A woman who radiates great strength, wisdom, compassion and love. A woman who is comfortable in her own skin and someone a guy can be himself with. She isn’t a chameleon nor does she sacrifice her own happiness for her man.

How do you tell if a woman is a keeper? 16 Signs She’s a Keeper

• She’s easy to talk to. …
• She’s smart. …
• She’s gorgeous. …
• She’s willing step outside of her comfort zone for you. …
• She’s driven. …
• She’s fun. …
• She cares. …
• She smells good.

What is a good catch man?

A good man should have a positive attitude , which may be difficult to find since we live in such a negative society. With a positive attitude, people will want to be around him and have fun around him. A good man will be happy with his life and the world around him and he will want to look out for others and help them.

How do you tell if he’s a good man? 15 Signs The Man You’re With Is A Great Guy

• He is your biggest fan (arguably at par with your mom). …
• He initiates and holds intellectually stimulating conversations with you. …
• He listens to you. …
• He lets you vent. …
• He speaks his mind – and does so coolly, calmly and respectively. …
• He admits he’s wrong when he’s wrong.

How do you know if you’re a high value woman?

She cares about people, and she is not afraid to show it. She Is Committed To Learning And Growth . A high-value woman pursues personal growth relentlessly and strives to be the best version of herself every day. She believes in being well-rounded and pursues wholehearted living with a passion.

What makes a man a good catch? He can make decisions with ease, talk to anyone and has charm to spare – all great qualities. Having confidence doesn’t mean having a big ego, so be wary of guys who only seem self-assured but really just spend a lot of time boasting about themselves, acting like they know everything, or putting other people down.

What is a catch man?

Definition of catchman

: one who sorts floating logs according to owner’s mark by deflecting them with a pike pole .

What does being a great catch mean?

What does it mean when someone says you are a good catch? Originally Answered: What does a “you are a catch” mean? Basically, it’s telling someone that others would be lucky to have them around . It’s usually used between friends or acquantances to describe the other’s partner and to establish that they believe their partner is attractive due to their looks or personality.

What does it mean when a guy says let’s catch up?

If he’s asking what venue your group of friends are going next, what he really means to say is “ let’s make sure we catch up again after this ”. Or he just wants an excuse to get your number before you leave.

How do you pronounce Akhal-Teke?

What is a Pendleton shirt?

Is exasperatedly a word?

What breed of horse was used by knights?

How do you spell Phylli?

How many bets is a tricast?

What is the meaning of the word kaffeeklatsch?

What is a staccato mark?

What does the word Chrysler mean?

What are 5 facts about the 100 years war?

Your email address will not be published.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More