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.

Dictionary Entries Near play catch-up

play-by-play

play catch-up

playclothes

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Cite this Entry

“Play catch-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/play%20catch-up. Accessed 21 Mar. 2023.

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