play catch-up
idiom
: to try to reach the same position, score, etc., as a competitor after one has fallen behind
The team fell behind in the second inning and has had to play catch-up ever since.
The company has been trying to play a difficult game of catch-up ever since its competitor introduced the new product.
Examples of play catch-up in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In turn, this can hurt your ability to stay on track, forcing you to play catch-up later and potentially creating a vicious cycle that will keep you tired long-term.
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Caroline Tien, SELF, 6 Aug. 2025
But the Maryland native did not arrive until last summer and had to play catch-up.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 July 2025
Leaders should always stay ahead, not play catch-up.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Gage Workman, a Rule 5 pick on the roster bubble, committed two costly errors at third base that forced the Cubs to play catch-up.
—Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play catch-up
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Caroline Tien, SELF, 6 Aug. 2025
But the Maryland native did not arrive until last summer and had to play catch-up.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 July 2025
Leaders should always stay ahead, not play catch-up.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Gage Workman, a Rule 5 pick on the roster bubble, committed two costly errors at third base that forced the Cubs to play catch-up.
—Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play catch-up
Cite this Entry
“Play catch-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/play%20catch-up. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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