catch someone on the hop

catch (one) on the hop

To encounter or try to communicate or work with someone at an inopportune time, such as when they are busy or preoccupied; to catch one off guard. I'll definitely help you with that report later—you just happened to catch me on the hop right now. If Dean was grumpy, you probably just caught him on the hop.
See also: catch, hop, on
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

catch someone on the hop

BRITISH
COMMON If a person or event catches you on the hop, you are not prepared for them and so are unable to respond quickly or appropriately. She couldn't afford to be caught on the hop if stock sold out. Adam took the fourth qualifying place in his semi-final and admitted his success had caught him on the hop. Compare with keep someone on the hop.
See also: catch, hop, on, someone
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
See also:
  • catch (one) on the hop
  • catch somebody on the hop
  • caught on the hop
  • catch at a bad time
  • catch (one) at a bad time
  • be busier than a one-legged man in a butt-kicking contest
  • contest
  • legged
  • have enough on (one's) plate
  • have enough on your plate