catch on
/kɛt͡ʃ ˈɑn/ verb- Chiefly in the form catch oneself on: to cause (oneself) to get or regain a proper appreciation of a situation; to behave in the expected, sensible way; to stop fooling around or being silly.
- Chiefly followed by to: to cling or hold on to something; to get stuck on something; to take hold.
- Of food being cooked: to become stuck to the cooking vessel and brown or burn slightly.
- Of an idea, a thing, etc.: to become fashionable or popular; also, to become established as standard; to become commonplace. · It’s a crummy idea, and I certainly hope it doesn’t catch on.· At first, many people didn’t like that kind of music, but after a while it caught on.
- Followed by to: to recognize the potential of something; also, to take advantage of or use something (especially an idea, a trend, etc.).
- Chiefly followed by to: to (begin to) understand; to realize. · He didn’t have to explain; I caught on right away.· She’s been catching on pretty well.
From the library
It took years for the idea to catch on.
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