Catch a cold
verb
To become sick with a common illness that affects the nose and throat.
I stayed out in the rain too long and I caught a cold.
Often appears as...
- catch a severe cold
- catch a bad cold
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To get into trouble or unexpected problems.
You'll catch a cold if you keep making those risky investments without doing proper research.
Often appears as...
- catch a cold in financial terms
- catch a cold from risky decisions
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb
To become sick with a common illness that affects the nose and throat.
I stayed out in the rain too long and I caught a cold.
Often appears as...
- catch a severe cold
- catch a bad cold
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To get into trouble or unexpected problems.
You'll catch a cold if you keep making those risky investments without doing proper research.
Often appears as...
- catch a cold in financial terms
- catch a cold from risky decisions
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Colloquial usage
The phrase is informal and commonly used in everyday conversation, not in formal writing.
At work: 'Sorry I'm sniffling, I just caught a cold.'
Pro Tip 2/3Non-literal term
People use this phrase even when their illness may not medically be a 'cold,' showing its flexible usage.
Despite the fever, she said she just caught a cold.
Pro Tip 3/3Immediate action
The phrase suggests a quick onset of symptoms, usually after being in the cold or rain.
Going out without a jacket, you might catch a cold.
Pro Tip 1/3Colloquial usage
The phrase is informal and commonly used in everyday conversation, not in formal writing.
At work: 'Sorry I'm sniffling, I just caught a cold.'
Pro Tip 2/3Non-literal term
People use this phrase even when their illness may not medically be a 'cold,' showing its flexible usage.
Despite the fever, she said she just caught a cold.
Pro Tip 3/3Immediate action
The phrase suggests a quick onset of symptoms, usually after being in the cold or rain.
Going out without a jacket, you might catch a cold.
Pro Tip 1/3Colloquial usage
The phrase is informal and commonly used in everyday conversation, not in formal writing.
At work: 'Sorry I'm sniffling, I just caught a cold.'
Pro Tip 2/3Non-literal term
People use this phrase even when their illness may not medically be a 'cold,' showing its flexible usage.
Despite the fever, she said she just caught a cold.
Pro Tip 3/3Immediate action
The phrase suggests a quick onset of symptoms, usually after being in the cold or rain.
Going out without a jacket, you might catch a cold.
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