Catch on Meaning in English
expression
ˈkætʃ/ /ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn
KATCH-AWN
kˈætʃ/ /ˈɒn
KATCH-ON
Definition
To understand something after a short delay, or for an idea, trend, or product to become popular.
Usage & Nuances
Informal. Used for both 'understand after explanation' ("I didn't catch on at first") and 'become popular' ("This trend is catching on"). Not used for physically catching something.
Spanish: entender - ponerse de modaPortuguese (BR): entender - pegar (tornar-se popular)Portuguese (PT): perceber - tornar-se popularChinese (Simplified): 明白 - 流行起来Chinese (Traditional): 明白 - 流行起來Hindi: समझना - लोकप्रिय होनाArabic: يفهم - ينتشر (يصبح شائعًا)Bengali: বুঝতে পারা - জনপ্রিয় হয়ে ওঠাRussian: понять - становиться популярнымJapanese: 理解する - 流行るVietnamese: hiểu ra - trở nên phổ biếnKorean: 이해하다 - 유행하다Turkish: anlamak - popüler olmakUrdu: سمجھ جانا - مقبول ہوناIndonesian: mengerti - menjadi populer
Example Sentences
It took him a while to catch on, but now he understands the rules.
basic
Once you catch on to the game, it's really fun.
basic
The song didn't catch on right away, but now everyone loves it.
basic
I didn't catch on at first because she was speaking so quickly.
natural
It took a few months for their new product to really catch on.
natural
Don't worry, you'll catch on pretty quickly once you give it a try.
natural