play catch-up
Definition of play catch-up
: 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.
From the M-W Editors
Word by Word Definitions
: swordplay
: game, sport
: the conduct, course, or action of a game
: to engage in sport or recreation : frolic
: to have sexual relations
: to move aimlessly about : trifle
: intended to catch up to a theoretical norm or a competitor's accomplishments
: the act or fact of catching up or trying to catch up (as with a norm or competitor)
: an increase intended to achieve catch-up
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