catch (one) with (someone or something)
catch (one) with (someone or something)
1. To find, and perhaps apprehend, one in possession of something suspicious. If they catch us with the other team's mascot, they'll think we stole it! The jewel thief was caught with the necklace hidden inside his shoe.
2. To apprehend one by using a particular device or method. The police seem confident that they'll be able to catch the escaped convicts with helicopters and dogs.
3. To find one with someone else, usually in the midst of an illicit activity. Police caught the suspect with known mobsters. Don't let me catch you with Dean again. I told you he's trouble.
See also: catch
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
catch someone with something
1. to discover or apprehend someone with something—usually something stolen or illicit. They caught Elizabeth with the earrings she shoplifted. Don't let them catch you with the money!
2. to apprehend someone with the aid of something. The state trooper caught the speeder with radar. The cops caught Lefty with the help of an informer.
See also: catch
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
- catch with
- catch (one) in the act of (doing something)
- think better of it/(something)
- think better of it/of doing something
- caught in the act
- catch in the act
- catch somebody in the act
- catch (one) in the act
- catch somebody red-handed
- catch red-handed