ENGLISH
REFERENCE

catches

n. countable
B1 Intermediate US //ˈkætʃəz// UK //kˈætʃɪz// catch·es

n. a hidden problem or a trick in a situation that seems too good to be true. You use this when someone offers you something great but there is a secret condition.

n. a hidden difficulty, disadvantage, or condition in an otherwise attractive situation. Often used in the singular to describe a deceptive catch-all clause in an agreement.


SIMPLE

The deal sounds perfect, but I wonder what the catch is.

CONTEXTUAL

The apartment is incredibly cheap for this neighborhood, so I am looking for the catch before I sign the lease.

COMPLEX

While the promotional interest rate appears lucrative, the catch lies in the fine print which mandates a high minimum balance and steep penalties for early withdrawal.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

Commonly used in the singular form 'the catch' to refer to a specific hidden drawback.

Pitfall

What is the catches?What is the catch?When referring to a hidden problem in a specific situation, the singular form is almost always used.

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