catch-up
Reach the leader
Catch-up is the act of reaching a level others have already attained.
A student plays catch-up after missing classes.
A team behind in points needs catch-up in the final quarter.
As a modifier, it describes efforts to close a gap: catch-up work, catch-up payments.
To play catch-up is to scramble from behind—often with the implication of disadvantage.
Distinct from the verb phrase catch up, which means to reach someone ahead of you or to get current: Let me catch up on the news.
Informal verbal exchange
- gossipInformal talk spreading rumors
- coffeeBrewed bean beverage
- brunchMorning-afternoon meal hybrid
- drinksLiquids for consumption
phone call · video call · heart-to-heart · chitchat · talk · visit · get together · meetup
At the rear
- overduePast expected arrival
- lagPeriod of falling behind
- backlogAccumulated unfinished work
- arrearsOverdue financial obligations
deadline · homework · emails · paperwork · workload · tasks · assignments · pending
Gathering after separation
- rekindleRenew something dormant
- renewMake valid again
- reminisceRecall past experiences fondly
- updateNew version or information
news · stories · bonding · old friends · long time · filling in · what's new · checking in
Tomato-based condiment
- mustardTangy seed-paste condiment
- relishKeen pleasurable appreciation
- mayonnaiseEmulsified egg-oil spread
- srirachaThai-style chili condiment
barbecue · salsa · hot sauce · tartar · aioli · chutney · horseradish · harissa
chat
Informal verbal exchange
drinks · phone call · video call · heart-to-heart · chitchat · talk · visit · get together · meetup · lunch date
behind
At the rear
arrears · deadline · homework · emails · paperwork · workload · tasks · assignments · pending · accumulation
reunion
Gathering after separation
update · news · stories · bonding · old friends · long time · filling in · what's new · checking in · reconnection
ketchup
Tomato-based condiment
- mustardTangy seed-paste condiment
- relishKeen pleasurable appreciation
- mayonnaiseEmulsified egg-oil spread
sriracha · barbecue · salsa · hot sauce · tartar · aioli · chutney · horseradish · harissa · vinegar
accelerate
Increase in velocity
- advanceMove or progress forward
- improvementPositive change in quality
- milestoneNotable event marking progress
headway · momentum · pace · gaining ground · narrowing · making up · ground · recovery · bridging · overtaking
stroke
Sudden brain blood blockage
arm · rotation · technique · coach · laps · pool · practice · coordination · streamline · bilateral
- chatterchat, chatter, chatting, chitchat, chit-chat
- casual interactionssmall talk, chitchat, waving, smiling, water cooler talk
- televisionTV, television, broadcast, TV shows, TV series
- casual gatheringsget-together, hangout, meetup, happy hour, brunch
- social visitsdinner party, house call, drop-in, pop-in, playdate
- in-personface-to-face, in person, meetup, real life, offline
catch-uppulling ahead
Gaining a lead
lead · ahead · front-runner · in the lead · staying ahead
catch-upup-to-date
Reflecting present knowledge
current · ahead of schedule · proactive · staying current · forward-looking
catch-upcoasting
Moving without active effort
cruising · slowing down · taking it easy · relaxing · steady pace