catch at

[catch at] {v.}

1. To try to catch suddenly; grab for.

/The boy on the merry-go-round caught at the brass ring, but did not get it./

2. To seize quickly; accept mentally or physically.

/The hungry man caught at the sandwich and began to eat./

/Joe caught at Bill's offer to help./

Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms

Tags:


	Follow English as a Second Language on Twitter

	See also »
	catch up [catch up] {v.} 1. To take or pick up suddenly; grab (something). * /She caught ... A Dictionary of American Idioms catch fire [catch fire] {v. phr.} 1. To begin to burn. * /When he dropped a match ... A Dictionary of American Idioms catch on [catch on] {v.}, {informal} 1. To understand; learn about. - Often used with "to". * ... A Dictionary of American Idioms catch cold [catch cold] {v. phr.} 1. or [take cold] To get a common cold-weather sickness that ... A Dictionary of American Idioms catch one's eye [catch one's eye] {v. phr.} To attract your attention. * /I caught his eye as ... A Dictionary of American Idioms catch with one's pants down [catch with one's pants down] {v. phr.}, {slang} To surprise someone in an embarrassing position ... A Dictionary of American Idioms catch off balance [catch off balance] {v. phr.} To confront someone with physical force or with a statement ... A Dictionary of American Idioms