catch it

Idioms  

1. Also, get it. Receive a punishment or scolding, as in If I forget anything on the shopping list, I'll catch it, or I'm really going to get it when I turn in my paper late. [Colloquial; early 1800s]

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Example Sentences

"The element of surprise is like those children's toys with a shooting gallery, a little hammer, and a bunny that pops up in different windows... you have to be quick enough to catch it."

From Barron's • May 17, 2026

Indeed, approximately 35% of people who catch it end up dying, depending on the region.

From Salon • May 11, 2026

People can catch it from someone that they spend prolonged time with in close physical proximity.

From BBC • May 7, 2026

"For women with HIV who may be experiencing depression, we want to better understand what's going on and catch it earlier so that it doesn't harm their whole overall health," said Perez.

From Science Daily • May 4, 2026

He knew without turning to look that Katherine would catch it, that she would hold on tightly, that she wouldn’t betray him.

From "Found" by Margaret Peterson Haddix