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catch a crab

phrase

: to fail to raise an oar clear of the water on recovery of a stroke

Examples of catch a crab in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There’s sculling lingo to learn — eight seat, catching a crab, puddles, the engine room, rushing the slide. — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of catch a crab was in 1785

Rhymes for catch a crab

See All Rhymes for catch a crab

Browse Nearby Words

catch a break
catch a crab
cat chain
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Catch a crab.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catch%20a%20crab. Accessed 21 Sep. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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