Catch out Meaning in English
expression
ˈkætʃ/ /ˈaʊt
KATCH-owt
kˈætʃ/ /ˈaʊt
KATCH-owt
Definition
To expose someone’s mistake or secret, usually by surprising them or proving they are wrong or lying.
Usage & Nuances
Mainly British English and informal. Commonly used with topics like lying, cheating, or mistakes. Often appears as 'be caught out' (passive). Do not confuse with 'catch up' (reach someone/a topic) or 'catch on' (understand).
Spanish: pillar (en una mentira o error) - descubrirPortuguese (BR): pegar de surpresa - flagrar (em mentira/erro)Portuguese (PT): apanhar desprevenido - apanhar (numa mentira/erro)Chinese (Simplified): 揭穿 - 抓住（错误/谎言）Chinese (Traditional): 揭穿 - 抓住（錯誤/謊言）Hindi: पकड़ लेना (गलती या झूठ में)Arabic: كشف (عن خطأ أو كذبة) - ضبطBengali: ধরা পড়া - ফাঁস করে দেওয়াRussian: уличить - подловитьJapanese: 見抜く - ばれるVietnamese: vạch trần - bắt quả tangKorean: 들키다 - 발각되다Turkish: yakalanmak - ortaya çıkarmakUrdu: پکڑ لینا - بھانپ لیناIndonesian: memergoki - ketahuan
Example Sentences
He was caught out telling a lie to his parents.
basic
I tried to trick her, but she caught me out.
basic
You have to study hard, or the exam will catch you out.
natural
The teacher caught out the student who was cheating.
basic
Politicians are often caught out when reporters ask tough questions.
natural
Don’t try to bluff—she’ll catch you out immediately.
natural