What's the catch Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈhwəts/, /ˈwəts/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈkætʃ

WUHTS thuh KATCH

UK

wɒts/ /ðə, ði/ /kˈætʃ

WOTS thuh KATCH

Definition

You say this when something sounds too good to be true and you suspect there may be a hidden problem or trick.

Usage & Nuances

Common in informal spoken English. Used when you feel an offer, deal, or opportunity is suspicious. Often expresses skepticism. Don't use in formal writing.

• Spanish: ¿cuál es el truco? - ¿dónde está el truco?
• Portuguese (BR): qual é a pegadinha? - onde está o truque?
• Portuguese (PT): qual é o truque? - onde está a armadilha?
• Chinese (Simplified): 有什么猫腻？ - 有什么陷阱？
• Chinese (Traditional): 有什麼貓膩？ - 有什麼陷阱？
• Hindi: इसमें पेंच क्या है? - इसमें चाल क्या है?
• Arabic: ما الخدعة؟ - أين الفخ؟
• Bengali: কিন্তু সমস্যা কোথায় - কোথায় ফাঁকি আছে
• Russian: в чём подвох - где тут подвох
• Japanese: 裏があるのでは - 何か裏があるんじゃない？
• Vietnamese: Có bẫy gì không - Có gì khuất tất không
• Korean: 뭔가 꿍꿍이가 있지? - 속셈이 뭐야?
• Turkish: işin içinde bir iş mi var - peki tuzak nerede
• Urdu: کہاں دھوکہ ہے؟ - کہاں چال ہے؟
• Indonesian: apa sih triknya - ada jebakannya apa - ada tipuannya apa

Example Sentences

This sounds amazing. What's the catch?

basic

You get free food? What's the catch?

basic

He offered to fix my car for nothing. What's the catch?

basic

Everything's included in the price? What's the catch?

natural

It sounds too good to be true. What's the catch?

natural

Free vacation? There's always a catch. What's the catch this time?

natural