catch on
phrasal verb·2 senses·particle on
Meanings
Become popular or fashionable
Why “on”? An action, event, state, or path continues or moves to a later point.
“The trend caught on quickly.”
“The dance caught on at school, and soon everyone knew it.”
Begin to understand something
Why “on”? An idea reaches the mind and becomes clear.
“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
bring on
Same on pattern: continuation
Cause something, especially an illness or feeling, to start; Help someone or something develop or improve
carry on
Same on pattern: continuation
Continue doing something; Behave in a silly, loud or annoying way; Have a romantic affair, often secretly
come on
Same on pattern: continuation
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; Show romantic or sexual interest in someone, often in a direct way; Be broadcast on television or radio
crack on
Same on pattern: continuation
Continue working hard, often after a break
dawn on
Same on pattern: realisation
Suddenly become understood by someone
drag on
Same on pattern: continuation
Continue for too long in a tedious way
drone on
Same on pattern: continuation
Talk for a long time in a boring, monotonous voice
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