catch on
phrasal verb·2 senses·particle on
Meanings
Become popular or fashionable
Why “on”? Sliding forward along the surface. Motion that keeps going on and on.
“The trend caught on quickly.”
“The dance caught on quickly at school.”
Begin to understand something
Why “on”? The connection starts. The machine, light, or device begins working.
“It took him a while to catch on to the joke.”
“The class caught on after the second example.”
Don't confuse with
Catch on means become popular or fashionable. Catch up means reach the same level or position as someone ahead.
Test yourself
“The trend caught on quickly.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
catch up
A contrast learners often mix up
Reach the same level or position as someone ahead; Get up to date with news, work or events you have missed; (of bad behaviour or neglect) start to have unavoidable consequences; Spend time talking to a friend after a period apart
act on
Same on pattern: power start
Take action because of advice or information
bring on
Same on pattern: power start
Cause something, especially an illness or feeling, to start; Help someone or something develop or improve
call on
Same on pattern: continuation
Ask someone to do something formally
carry on
Same on pattern: continuation
Continue doing something; Behave in a silly, loud or annoying way; Have a romantic affair, often secretly
click on
Same on pattern: power start
Activate by clicking
come on
Same on pattern: power start
Used to encourage, hurry or challenge someone; Begin to develop, especially an illness or weather; Start working or be turned on; Make progress or improve; Try to start a romantic or sexual relationship with someone; Be broadcast on television or radio
crack on
Same on pattern: continuation
Continue working hard, often after a break
Practice “catch on” in Sink In
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