caught sight of
Noticed in passing
Caught sight of means noticed or glimpsed, typically something that wasn't being actively looked for: I caught sight of her in the crowd.
The phrase suggests a brief or unexpected visual encounter rather than deliberate observation.
He caught sight of the deer just before it disappeared into the woods.
- noticedBecame aware of
- laid eyes onSaw, noticed visually
- glimpseFleeting view
- espiedCaught sight of
- spottedSeen or patterned
first glimpse · detected · beheld · observe · sighted · discerned · perceived · flash · saw · made out · quick look · recognized · descried · in the distance · appeared · came into view · eyes · glanced
attentional mode
caught sight ofscrutinized
Examined in close detail
studied · examined · contemplated · surveyed · inspected