# catch a stray

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/catch-a-stray
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To be unexpectedly and casually insulted in a seemingly unrelated discussion or argument.

## Examples

- I was just listening, but I still caught a stray.
- During their argument about the messy kitchen, he mentioned my cooking and I caught a stray.
- While the two colleagues debated the merits of the new policy, I caught a stray when they criticized my department's overall lack of efficiency.

## Origin

From *catch* (“to be hit by”) + *a* + *stray* (“a stray bullet”).

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.