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[catch flat-footed]

See: [FLAT-FOOTED] (2).

[catch forty winks]

See: [FORTY WINKS].

[catch hold of]  {v. phr.}

To grasp a person or a thing.

"I've been trying to catch hold of you all week," John said, "but you were out of town."

[catch it] or [get it]  {v. phr.},  {informal}

To be scolded or punished. — Usually used of children.

John knew he would catch it when he came home late for supper.

Wow, Johnny! When your mother sees those torn pants, you're going to get it.

 […]

[catch it in the neck] or [get it in the neck]  {v. phr.},  {slang}

To be blamed or punished.

Tom got it in the neck because he forgot to close the windows when it rained.

Students get it in the neck when they lose library books.

Compare:  […]

[catch off balance]  {v. phr.}

To confront someone with physical force or with a statement or question he or she is not prepared to answer or deal with; to exploit the disadvantage of another.

* /The smaller wrestler caught his opponent off balance and  […]

[catch off guard]  {v. phr.}

To challenge or confront a person at a time of lack of preparedness or sufficient care.

[catch on]  {v.},  {informal}

1. To understand; learn about. — Often used with "to".

You'll catch on to the job after you've been here awhile.

Don't play any tricks on Joe. When he catches on, he will beat you.

2. To become popular; be done or  […]

[catch one's breath]  {v. phr.}

1. To breathe in suddenly with fear or surprise.

The beauty of the scene made him catch his breath.

Compare: [TAKE ONE'S BREATH AWAY].

2a. To rest and get back your normal breathing, as after running.

* /After  […]

[catch one's death of] or [take one's death of]  {v. phr.},  {informal}

To become very ill with (a cold, pneumonia, flu).

Johnny fell in the icy water and almost took his death of cold.

Sometimes used in the short form "catch your death."

*  […]