Phrasal verb
catch on
Meanings
To become popular or widely used.
To begin to understand something; to realize what is happening.
Definition
To catch on means to become popular or widely accepted.
If something catches on, it becomes popular and many people start using it, doing it, or talking about it. It can describe a fashion, idea, phrase, or activity that spreads through a group. It can also mean to begin to understand something after a short delay.
Examples
- The new dance challenge caught on quickly at my school.
- I didn’t catch on until you showed me the second step.
- She caught on right away when the teacher gave another example.
- They hoped the handmade bracelets would catch on at the festival.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse the two meanings and say “catch on” (understand) when they mean “catch up” (reach the same level).
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.