caught short

Idioms and Phrases

Found to be lacking something one needs, especially money, as in Can you pay the check? I seem to be caught short . This idiom uses short in the sense of “lacking money,” a usage dating from the early 1500s.

Example Sentences

Executives at such companies vow never to get caught short again.

From The Daily Beast

He caught short glimpses of another horse matching pace to the one that carried him.

From Project Gutenberg

I have many a time sat on T Wharf and caught short, flat flounders with my line.

From Project Gutenberg

Her sensitive ears caught short, puffing breaths—then the click of a key in the lock.

From Project Gutenberg

Instead of balls, they threw up and caught short burning torches.

From Project Gutenberg

They're caught short, and we can squeeze them to our hearts' content.

From Project Gutenberg