catch up
The phrase 'catch up' is versatile, used in various contexts to describe reaching a standard, updating information, or making up for lost time.
Definition
B2General
To reach the same level or standard as someone or something else after falling behind.
Example
- After missing a week of classes, she worked hard to catch up with her studies.
- The runner sped up to catch up with the leader.
B1Social
To have a conversation with someone to exchange news or information, typically after a period of not communicating.
Example
- Let's catch up over coffee next week.
- I called my friend to catch up on the latest news.
B2Work/Study
To make up for lost time or missed work by working more intensively.
Example
- He stayed late at the office to catch up on his paperwork.
- She spent the weekend catching up on her assignments.
C1Emotional
To become involved or absorbed in something, often unexpectedly.
Example
- She got caught up in the excitement of the concert and lost track of time.
- He was so caught up in his book that he didn't hear the phone ring.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "catch up":
catch onkeep up withcatch outkeep upkeep pacefall behindcatch itmeet upup to speedconnect upfetch upread upcatch stepcome up tomake it up tofinish upcatch one's breathpatch uptouch basepick up the slackpick upfix upget withget backlink upmatch upcircle backrun upcash uphook uphit upcome upget back torun up on