1 B2 idiomatic informal
To discover that someone has been lying, cheating, or doing something wrong.
"The journalist caught the politician out by quoting his contradictory statements from two years ago."
separable
catch out
B2 informal separable transitive
To discover that someone has done something wrong, made a mistake, or is lying.
In plain English
To find someone doing something they shouldn't, or to prove that someone is lying or wrong.
What does "catch out" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To find oneself in an unexpected and difficult situation that one was not prepared for.
"We were caught out by the sudden change in weather and had no coats."
inseparable
3 C1 neutral
(cricket) To dismiss a batsman by catching the ball after it has been hit, before it touches the ground.
"He was caught out at slip for just twelve runs."
separable
Usage tip
Chiefly British and Australian English. Often used in passive ('I was caught out'). Can also refer to being caught in an unpleasant situation you weren't prepared for. Also a cricket term for dismissing a batsman.
Words that pair with "catch out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
lie mistake cheat bluff error trick
How to conjugate "catch out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
catch out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
catches out
he/she/it
Past simple
caught out
yesterday
Past participle
caught out
have + pp
-ing form
catching out
continuous
Hear "catch out" in the wild
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