catch cold
Contract a bug
To catch cold is to become infected with a common cold virus, typically from exposure to someone already ill.
The phrase treats illness as something that can be seized or contracted: I caught cold waiting for the bus in the rain.
Despite folk belief, cold weather alone doesn't cause colds—though it may weaken resistance.
- sneezeExplosive nasal reflex
- coughExplosive airway clearing
- sore throatIrritated, aching airway
- feverElevated body temperature
- congestionExcessive accumulation causing blockage
stuffy nose · nose · stuffy · nasal spray · chill · virus · immune system · handwashing · flu · runny nose · ache · sore muscles · shivers · mucus · vitamin C · steam inhalation · sniffles · air circulation
- falling illfall ill, get sick, sicken, take ill, come down with
health trajectory
catch coldrecover
Regain health or possession
get well · heal · stay healthy · recuperate · get better
cold, catch, catching, caught, catches, catcher, catchment, catchable, uncatchable