catch at
phrasal verb.phrasal verb. to try to grab or reach for something quickly, often because you are desperate or in a hurry.
phrasal verb. to make a sudden, often unsuccessful, attempt to grasp or seize something; frequently used figuratively to describe a desperate attempt to seize an opportunity or idea.
He tried to catch at the rope as he fell.
The drowning man would catch at any branch that floated past him in the river.
In her desperation to save the failing company, she would catch at any suggestion, no matter how impractical it seemed to the board.
usually implies a sudden or frantic motion rather than a successful capture.
contrast with 'catch' (successful capture) and 'clutch at' (holding tightly); this phrase emphasizes the attempt or the reaching motion itself.
He caught at the ball and held it.He caught the ball and held it.using 'at' implies an attempt or a struggle to grab, whereas 'catch' alone implies a successful action.
Last updated April 24, 2026