ENGLISH
REFERENCE

catch a body

idiom
Meaning

to kill, to murder


Origin

disputed origin

Compare catch a case and catch a stray.

Examples
SIMPLE

The dangerous criminal is known to catch a body.

CONTEXTUAL

In the gritty crime novel, the protagonist warns his rival that he is not afraid to catch a body if pushed too far.

COMPLEX

The ruthless gang leader boasted of his dark history, claiming he had caught a body in every city he visited during his rise to power.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    body blow

    A serious setback; a traumatizing event which prevents or hinders continuation of an activity.

  2. 02

    body English

    A body motion made to coax an object already propelled to go in a desired direction.

  3. 03

    catch a break

    To experience the minimal amount of good luck or a favorable outcome.

  4. 04

    catch a case

    To be infected with a disease; used with of.

  5. 05

    catch a cold

    To contract a cold.

  6. 06

    catch a date

    Of a prostitute, to secure a client who is willing to pay for services.

  7. 07

    catch a fade

    To get knocked out (struck and rendered unconscious).

  8. 08

    catch a falling knife

    To buy a financial instrument whose price is falling rapidly.

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