catch out

verb

caught out; catching out; catches out

transitive verb

1

: to detect in error or wrongdoing

caught him out committing perjury

2

: to take unawares or by surprise

Examples of catch out in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As Germany pushed forward for an equalizer, goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was caught out of position, allowing South Korean forward Son Heung-Min to slot a second goal into the unguarded net. —Tushaar Kuthiala, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 June 2026

To qualify This is the market that catches out more World Cup newcomers than any other. —Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 11 June 2026

Given the reputation Lamborghinis have of catching out inexperienced drivers, the Temerario is reassuringly forgiving of a driver getting a little too enthusiastic with the accelerator pedal. —James Morris, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026

BlackRock back hedge funds Hedge funds suffered steep losses in March, with their portfolio positions caught out by the Middle East conflict and resulting oil price spike. —Hugh Leask, CNBC, 7 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for catch out

• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout
• checkout
• closeout
• cutout
• devout
• dropout