catch out
Trap in lie
To catch out is to detect someone in an error, lie, or wrongdoing—to expose them by noticing something they hoped would go unnoticed: The auditor caught them out on the discrepancy.
More common in British than American English, where catch alone often suffices.
You can also be caught out by circumstances—unprepared for something that exposes a weakness: The early frost caught the farmers out.
Not prepared for something
- unpreparedLacking readiness beforehand
- unawaresWithout prior knowledge
- ambushSurprise strike from concealment
- blindsideSurprise with unexpected force
startle · wrong-foot · flat-footed · napping · unsuspecting · unexpected · sudden · gotcha
Reveal what's hidden
- revealMake something visible
- unmaskReveal true identity
- detectNotice or discover
- discoverFind something unknown
trip up · nail · corner · confront · interrogate · cross-examine · fact-check · verify
Device for catching prey
bait · setup · sting · ruse · ploy · leading question · booby trap · pitfall
off guard
Not prepared for something
- unpreparedLacking readiness beforehand
- unawaresWithout prior knowledge
- ambushSurprise strike from concealment
blindside · startle · wrong-foot · flat-footed · napping · unsuspecting · unexpected · sudden · gotcha · stumped
uncover
Reveal what's hidden
discover · trip up · nail · corner · confront · interrogate · cross-examine · fact-check · verify · scrutinize
snare
Device for catching prey
lure · bait · setup · sting · ruse · ploy · leading question · booby trap · pitfall · tripwire
dismiss
Send away or reject
innings · stumped · delivery · ball · umpire · fielder · boundary · test match · over
catch outlet slide
Choose not to address
overlook · miss · turn a blind eye · ignore · let go
catch outcover for
Protect by deceiving
cover up · shield · protect · look the other way · whitewash
catch outbail out
Rescue from trouble
help out · rescue · let off the hook · spare
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