Be caught short
verb
Unexpectedly need to urinate or defecate immediately.
After drinking lots of water during our road trip, I was caught short and had to find a public restroom quickly.
Often appears as...
- caught short in public
- was caught short
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
verb
To be in a situation where you do not have something you need.
We were caught short in the wilderness adventure as we had forgotten the tent at home.
Often appears as...
- caught short of money
- was caught short
verb
Unexpectedly need to urinate or defecate immediately.
After drinking lots of water during our road trip, I was caught short and had to find a public restroom quickly.
Often appears as...
- caught short in public
- was caught short
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
verb
To be in a situation where you do not have something you need.
We were caught short in the wilderness adventure as we had forgotten the tent at home.
Often appears as...
- caught short of money
- was caught short
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Urgency
Expresses a sudden, urgent need related to bodily functions.
Long queues can be problematic if you're caught short.
Pro Tip 2/3Informal
Used mainly in informal situations among friends or family.
Let's take a break soon; someone might get caught short.
Pro Tip 3/3Embarrassment
Mentioning this phrase could imply or cause embarrassment, use with discretion.
Sorry for the interruption, I was caught short just now.
Pro Tip 1/3Urgency
Expresses a sudden, urgent need related to bodily functions.
Long queues can be problematic if you're caught short.
Pro Tip 2/3Informal
Used mainly in informal situations among friends or family.
Let's take a break soon; someone might get caught short.
Pro Tip 3/3Embarrassment
Mentioning this phrase could imply or cause embarrassment, use with discretion.
Sorry for the interruption, I was caught short just now.
Pro Tip 1/3Urgency
Expresses a sudden, urgent need related to bodily functions.
Long queues can be problematic if you're caught short.
Pro Tip 2/3Informal
Used mainly in informal situations among friends or family.
Let's take a break soon; someone might get caught short.
Pro Tip 3/3Embarrassment
Mentioning this phrase could imply or cause embarrassment, use with discretion.
Sorry for the interruption, I was caught short just now.
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