The Catch
The concealed complication
The Catch typically refers to a hidden drawback or condition that undermines an otherwise appealing offer: It sounds too good to be true—what's the catch?
The phrase often appears with a number, as in Catch-22, Joseph Heller's novel about a paradoxical rule where any attempt to escape a situation only tightens the trap.
In sports, particularly American football and baseball, the Catch designates a legendary reception—a play so remarkable it needs no further identification: The Catch changed the momentum of the game.
- snagUnforeseen complication
- hookCurved catching device
- bait and switchFraudulent sales tactic
- haulPull or carry laboriously
- grabSeize abruptly
trap · pitfall · drawback · hitch · stipulation · loophole · fine print · terms and conditions · outfield · Willie Mays · diving · baseball · glove · reel · fish · net · latch · clasp
- footballfootball, touchdown, field goal, quarterback, end zone
The Catchno strings attached
Without obligations or conditions
free and clear · carte blanche · blank check · no obligations · gravy
The Catchwhat you see is what you get
No deception or concealment
full disclosure · plain dealing · transparency · good faith · the whole truth
catch, catches, catching, caught, catcher, catchers, catchy, catchier, catchiest