catch on

To begin to understand something, often after some time.

• I explained it, and she caught on.
• He soon caught on to the rules.
• Did anyone catch on to what we were planning?

How to use it: catch on to something (She caught on to his trick.)

Similar words: understand, realize, get it

Common phrases: catch on quickly, catch on to something

To become popular or widely used.

• The new game caught on quickly.
• That hairstyle never really caught on here.
• Do you think electric bikes will catch on with older riders?

How to use it: catch on with someone (The new game caught on with teenagers.)

Similar words: become popular, take off

Common phrases: catch on quickly, catch on with someone

To hold onto something or become stuck on it.

• My coat caught on the fence.
• She caught on to a branch and held tight.
• Be careful that your sleeve does not catch on that hook.

How to use it: catch on something (My sleeve caught on a nail.); catch on to something (He caught on to a branch as he fell.)

Similar words: snag, get caught, cling

Common phrases: catch on a nail, catch on to something

To see that something could be useful or successful and start using it.

• Companies soon caught on to the new trend.
• She caught on to the business opportunity before anyone else.
• Hotels are catching on to the potential of this technology.

How to use it: catch on to something (Small businesses caught on to the benefits of online sales.)

Similar words: pick up on, take advantage of

Common phrases: catch on to something, catch on early

To make yourself understand the situation properly and start behaving sensibly.

• Catch yourself on and stop shouting.
• He finally caught himself on and apologized.
• She told me to catch myself on and behave properly.

How to use it: catch oneself on (You need to catch yourself on and stop making excuses.)

Similar words: get a grip, come to your senses

Common phrases: catch yourself on, catch oneself on