catch as catch can: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-frequency idiom (C1+)Informal, occasionally colloquial.
Quick answer
What does “catch as catch can” mean?
Using whatever means are available.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Using whatever means are available; improvised; without rules or system.
Describes a situation or method that is unstructured, opportunistic, and makes do with whatever resources or opportunities present themselves, often implying a degree of chaos or informality.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The phrase is understood in both varieties, though possibly more familiar in AmE due to its wrestling origins.
Connotations
Generally neutral to slightly negative, suggesting a lack of planning or organisation.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but might appear slightly more in American historical or sports-related contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “catch as catch can” in a Sentence
It was a catch-as-catch-can [noun].We managed, catch as catch can.They operate on a catch-as-catch-can basis.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “catch as catch can” in a Sentence
adverb
British English
- We lived catch as catch can for a few months after the move.
American English
- They furnished the apartment catch-as-catch-can from thrift stores.
adjective
British English
- The refugee camp's water supply was a catch-as-catch-can affair.
American English
- It was a catch-as-catch-can operation, with no real schedule or plan.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Describes an unplanned, reactive business strategy or a temporary, resource-poor operation.
Academic
Rare. Might criticise a research methodology lacking rigour.
Everyday
Describes informal arrangements, like sharing a car or finding last-minute accommodation.
Technical
In computing, could describe a non-optimised, brute-force solution.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “catch as catch can”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “catch as catch can”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “catch as catch can”
- Using it as a verb phrase (e.g., 'We catch as catch can the bus').
- Incorrect hyphenation: 'catch-as-catch-can' is typically hyphenated when used as an adjective.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is typically hyphenated when used as an adjective before a noun (a catch-as-catch-can system). When used as an adverb, it is often not hyphenated (we lived catch as catch can).
It is generally considered informal. In formal writing, synonyms like 'improvised', 'ad hoc', or 'unstructured' are preferable.
It originates from a style of wrestling (also called 'catch wrestling') where almost any hold is permitted, as opposed to styles with restrictive rules.
No. In modern usage, it functions as an adjective or adverb, not as a verb phrase. Don't say 'I will catch as catch can a taxi'.
Using whatever means are available.
Catch as catch can: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkætʃ əz ˌkætʃ ˈkæn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkætʃ əz ˌkætʃ ˈkæn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “by hook or by crook”
- “making it up as you go along”
- “playing it by ear”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a 'CAN' trying to 'CATCH' something. It has no proper tool, just the can itself—using whatever it has, improvised.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE/GETTING BY IS IMPROVISED WRESTLING (using any hold you can).
Practice
Quiz
What is the closest meaning of 'catch-as-catch-can' in 'They had a catch-as-catch-can education'?