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catch up

[catch up] {v.}

1. To take or pick up suddenly; grab (something).

/She caught up the book from the table and ran out of the room./

2. To capture or trap (someone) in a situation; concern or interest very much. — Usually used in the passive with "in".

/The Smith family was caught up in the war in Europe and we did not see them again till it was over./

/We were so caught up in the movie we forgot what time it was./

Compare: MIX UP.

3. To go fast enough or do enough so as not to be behind; overtake; come even. — Often used with "to" or "with".

/Johnny ran hard and tried to catch up to his friends./

/Mary missed two weeks of school; she must work hard to catch up with her class./

Compare: UP TO.

4. To find out about or get proof to punish or arrest. — Usually used with "with".

/A man told the police where the robbers were hiding, so the police finally caught up with them./

5. To result in something bad; bring punishment. — Usually used with "with".

/The boy's fighting caught up with him and he was expelled from school./

/Smoking will catch up with you./

Compare: CHICKENS COME HOME TO ROOST.

6. To finish; not lose or be behind. — Used with "on" and often in the phrase "get caught up on".

/Frank stayed up late to get caught up on his homework./

/I have to catch up on my sleep./

/We caught up on all the latest news when we got back to school and saw our friends again./

Syn.: KEEP UP.

Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms

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