ENGLISH
REFERENCE

catch it

idiom
Meaning

To be severely reprimanded, punished, or beaten.


Examples
SIMPLE

If you break that vase, you will really catch it.

CONTEXTUAL

He knew he would catch it from his boss if he arrived late to the meeting again.

COMPLEX

Having returned home well past his curfew, the teenager braced himself, knowing he would surely catch it from his father.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    catch a body

    to kill, to murder

  2. 02

    catch a break

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

  3. 03

    catch a case

    To be infected with a disease; used with of.

  4. 04

    catch a cold

    To contract a cold.

  5. 05

    catch a date

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

  6. 06

    catch a fade

    To get knocked out (struck and rendered unconscious).

  7. 07

    catch a falling knife

    To buy a financial instrument whose price is falling rapidly.

  8. 08

    catch a packet

    To be fired upon.

Last updated April 17, 2026