# catch it

idiom

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

## Meaning

To be severely reprimanded, punished, or beaten.

## Examples

- If you break that vase, you will really catch it.
- He knew he would catch it from his boss if he arrived late to the meeting again.
- Having returned home well past his curfew, the teenager braced himself, knowing he would surely catch it from his father.

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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.