catch out meaning: definition, quotations

catch out

verb

To discover or expose as fake, insincere, or inaccurate.

Bishop Manning has his enemies, but those enemies have hardly ever caught him out on a point of theology or canon law.1939 October 23, “Religion: Discordant Concordat”, in Time:

To take (someone) by surprise.

However, Colombia broke the deadlock, Leicy Santos toying with Rachel Daly after collecting Caicedo’s pass, before sweeping a dipping effort over a caught-out Mary Earps. It was a luscious finish and the crowd enjoyed it.2023 August 12, Suzanne Wrack, “England hit back to beat Colombia and set up World Cup semi with Australia”, in The Guardian:

Ball games, Cricket, Games, Hobbies, Lifestyle, Sports To put a batsman out by catching the batted ball before it touches the ground.

US, Dated, Slang To leave an area by jumping on a train; to ride the rails away.

Slang To catch (someone); to detect an error or blunder on (someone's) part.