caught short

caught short

1. slang Unprepared for a certain situation, often one involving money. I was caught short at the restaurant, so I had to borrow money from my mom.
2. slang Pregnant when one is not married. I think that Heather has missed so much school because she's caught short.
3. slang Having an urgent need to use the toilet. I always go to the bathroom before a long drive, to avoid being caught short.
See also: caught, short
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

caught short

 
1. left without any money temporarily. I'm caught a little short. Can I borrow a few bucks?
2. pregnant and unmarried. Both of Jane's sisters got caught short before they graduated high school.
See also: caught, short
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

caught short

Found to be lacking something one needs, especially money, as in Can you pay the check? I seem to be caught short. This idiom uses short in the sense of "lacking money," a usage dating from the early 1500s.
See also: caught, short
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
See also:
  • be caught short
  • be caught/taken short
  • funny money
  • come into (some) money
  • come into money
  • be (right) on the money
  • color of someone's money, see the
  • be made of money
  • (right) on the money
  • embezzle from
References in periodicals archive
Commuters caught short at Aberdeen's train station will now have to spend 50p to use the toilet, while they have been made free in the Central Belt.
Price of spending penny at rail station rises to 50p; Transport: ScotRail backtracks on previous pledge to scrap toilet charges
DJ GREG James has admitted his most humilating moment ever was getting caught short on a train journey.
James comes clean on train toilet shame
Caught short by gains made by Airbus (EADSY), Boeing (BA) raced to update its workhorse 737 jet rather than design a new one, The New York Times reports.
Boeing rushed to beat Airbus with 737 Max, NY Times reports
Now the Wales prop plans to take off with the Six Nations title and ensure his Grand Slam ambitions are not caught short when Ireland arrive in Cardiff on Saturday.
tad nicked my kit says evans
Mohammed Zeb was caught short by The Albert pub after missing the bus back to Bradford.
Man spotted urinating in alley by mum and girl
Many drivers have been caught short while stuck in a traffic jam.
Dame Kelly Holmes caught short during six-hour M25 standstill - as she admits: "Sorry but I had to go!"; The Olympic champion was forced to squat after the M25 and Dartford Crossing in Kent were closed yesterday afternoon following a serious crash
ONE of Billy Connolly's greatest jokes was about incontinence pants that tied tightly at the ankles so the wearer could hit the disco and "care not a jot" if they got caught short.
Tightly strapped into a pair of the Big Yin's incontinence pants, Katy cares not a jot
Defence solicitor Robert Vickery said Fleming, who had been a drug user, was caught short and trapped in a lounge because of a problem with the lock.
Man urinated from upstairs window
Recently, it has issued its annual report titled 'Caught Short,' which reveals the world's worst places in terms of children's physical growth and cognitive development.
Stunted Region
Being caught not a funny people have have young Ron Carter-Being caught short is not a funny matter if people have illnesses or have young children.
Charging for air we breathe next?
Newcastle were caught short in their Europa League campaign and they've been caught short again.
Newcastle United feedback: Overhaul needed for transfer policy? Andrew Fowler answers Newcastle United fans' questions on all things black and white as well as whether the recruitment policy needs an overhaul; Andrew Fowler answers Newcastle United fans' questions on all things black and white as well as whether the recruitment policy needs an overhaul
AMSTERDAM -- If you're caught short on Amsterdam's historic Dam Square, the Dutch government has a message for you: Don't pee on the palace.
Don't pee on the palace
Rules for players include no urinating in public, with a 100-rupee fine - about PS1 - for anyone caught short.
Wee are the champions! BANGALORE [...]; CONFIDENTIAL with DEAN JONES sport ..
It essentially becomes a wearable wallet, meaning if you forget your old fashioned leather alternative you won't be caught short when you head out the office for a power lunch.
Now, suit that also acts as your wallet
There are lots of fast food restaurants - if you're caught short, use their facilities.
Urinals are a big no no; .... FEATURES Thursday, October 3, 2013 40 Pete Price Name-dropper