catch

A1 · Beginner

v. to arrive in time to get on a bus, train, or plane.

v. to reach a means of transport in time to board it before departure.

“If we leave now, we can still catch the last train home.”

“Despite the heavy traffic, she managed to catch the express shuttle, arriving at the terminal just as the final boarding call was announced.”

B1 · Intermediate

v. to hear or understand what someone is saying.

v. to perceive or comprehend a sensory input, typically speech, that is fleeting or quiet.

“Sorry, I didn't quite catch your name—could you say it again?”

“The acoustics in the lecture hall were so poor that students in the back row struggled to catch the professor's subtle nuances.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to get hooked or stuck on something.

v. to become entangled or snagged on a projection or sharp edge.

“Be careful not to catch your sweater on that rusty nail.”

“The hem of her silk dress caught on a splintered floorboard, causing a small but noticeable tear as she walked away.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a hidden difficulty or a trick in a situation that seems too good to be true.

n. a concealed drawback or disadvantage in an otherwise attractive situation.

“The apartment is very cheap, but the catch is that there is no heating.”

“The contract offered a remarkably high salary, but the catch was a non-compete clause that effectively barred him from the industry for two years.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a small device used to lock or close something, like a door or a bag.

n. a mechanical device or clasp designed to hold a door, window, or lid closed.

“The catch on my suitcase is broken, so I have to use a strap to keep it shut.”

“The antique cabinet featured a brass catch that had become stiff with age, requiring a firm tug to release the heavy door.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Informal

n. someone who would be a very good person to marry or date.

n. a person considered highly desirable as a romantic partner or spouse due to wealth, status, or character.

“Your new boyfriend is smart, kind, and successful—he is quite a catch.”

“In the local social circles, the young heir was considered the ultimate catch, though he remained largely uninterested in the attention he received.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. the total amount of something caught, especially fish.

n. the total quantity of a haul, specifically in the context of fishing or hunting.

“The fishermen were disappointed with their small catch after a long day at sea.”

“The seasonal catch was significantly lower than previous years, prompting concerns about the long-term sustainability of the local ecosystem.”