Phrase guide

catch it

verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To be severely reprimanded, punished, or beaten.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • a. 1887, George Bernard Shaw, An Unsocial Socialist If they beat us, we shall catch it, and serve us right.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see catch, it.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

receive punishment; be scolded or reprimanded

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • I really caught it the other day!

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

6 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • French: se faire appeler Arthur — to be scolded or chastised
  • French: se faire sonner les cloches — to be scolded or chastised
  • French: se faire tirer les oreilles — to be scolded or chastised
  • French: se faire remonter les bretelles — to be scolded or chastised
  • French: se faire enguirlander — to be scolded or chastised
  • Polish: być ukaranym — to be scolded or chastised