Catch up with
phrasal verb
To reach the same quality or standard as someone or something else.
I was out of the office last week and need to catch up with the others.
Often appears as...
- catch up with the class
- catch up with work
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrasal verb
To talk to someone you have not seen for some time to find out what they have been doing.
Let's meet up for coffee and catch up with each other's lives.
Often appears as...
- catch up with old friends
- catch up with family
Usage tips
Colloquial, Idiomatic
phrasal verb
When negative effects or disadvantages finally appear or make themselves felt over a period of time.
Years of smoking will eventually catch up with you.
Often appears as...
- catch up with health
- catch up with bad habits
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrasal verb
To reach someone or something that is ahead by moving faster.
He was ahead in the race but I managed to catch up with him.
Often appears as...
- catch up with the leader
- catch up with the train
phrasal verb
To reach the same quality or standard as someone or something else.
I was out of the office last week and need to catch up with the others.
Often appears as...
- catch up with the class
- catch up with work
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrasal verb
To talk to someone you have not seen for some time to find out what they have been doing.
Let's meet up for coffee and catch up with each other's lives.
Often appears as...
- catch up with old friends
- catch up with family
Usage tips
Colloquial, Idiomatic
phrasal verb
When negative effects or disadvantages finally appear or make themselves felt over a period of time.
Years of smoking will eventually catch up with you.
Often appears as...
- catch up with health
- catch up with bad habits
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrasal verb
To reach someone or something that is ahead by moving faster.
He was ahead in the race but I managed to catch up with him.
Often appears as...
- catch up with the leader
- catch up with the train
Definition 1 of 4
Pro Tip 1/2Progress Comparison
Used to describe efforts to reach someone else's level of progress or achievement.
After being sick, she had to catch up with her peers in training.
Pro Tip 2/2Recent Updates
Refers to obtaining the latest information or trends on a topic or area of interest.
I have to catch up with the latest technology advances to stay competitive.
Pro Tip 1/2Progress Comparison
Used to describe efforts to reach someone else's level of progress or achievement.
After being sick, she had to catch up with her peers in training.
Pro Tip 2/2Recent Updates
Refers to obtaining the latest information or trends on a topic or area of interest.
I have to catch up with the latest technology advances to stay competitive.
Pro Tip 1/2Progress Comparison
Used to describe efforts to reach someone else's level of progress or achievement.
After being sick, she had to catch up with her peers in training.
Pro Tip 2/2Recent Updates
Refers to obtaining the latest information or trends on a topic or area of interest.
I have to catch up with the latest technology advances to stay competitive.
Never forget "Catch up with"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension