catch a case

The phrase "catch a case" is commonly used in urban slang to describe getting involved in legal trouble, often resulting in arrest.

Definition

B2Legal

(slang, informal)To be charged with a criminal offense.

Example

He caught a case last night and is now in police custody.

B1Health

(informal)To be infected with an illness.

Example

She caught a case of the flu from her coworker.

B2General

(informal, figurative)To become highly enthusiastic or obsessed with something.

Example

He's caught a case of enthusiasm for painting lately.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "catch a case":

catch a cold catch it make a case catch step catch out catch on catch and release hard case catch the sun case up cop off