catch out
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
to show that someone is doing something wrong or is not telling the truth.
to detect or expose an error, inconsistency, or deception on someone's part. Transitive and often used in the passive voice.
Simple“The interviewer managed to catch him out when he lied about his experience.”
In context“The auditor's meticulous review of the ledgers was designed to catch out any staff members who had been falsifying expense reports.”
UsageOften used in the passive: 'to be caught out'.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
to put someone in a difficult situation because they were not prepared for something.
to take someone by surprise, typically resulting in their disadvantage or embarrassment.
Simple“The sudden change in the weather caught many hikers out without warm clothes.”
In context“Investors were caught out by the central bank's unexpected decision to raise interest rates ahead of the quarterly report.”
UsageFrequently takes a direct object between 'catch' and 'out'.
Synonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
in cricket, to get a player out by catching the ball before it hits the ground.
to dismiss a batsman by catching the ball after it has been hit but before it touches the ground.
Simple“The fielder ran quickly to the boundary and caught the batsman out.”
In context“The captain strategically placed a fielder at deep mid-wicket, hoping to catch out the aggressive opening batsman.”
UsageSpecific to the rules of cricket.
Synonyms
Focus on the 'surprise' element; it is often used when a person's lack of knowledge or preparation is suddenly revealed by a change in circumstances.