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catch as catch can. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
catch as catch can, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
catch as catch can in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
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English
(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)
Pronunciation
Verb
catch as catch can (third-person singular simple present catches as catch can, present participle catching as catch can, no simple past or past participle). See Usage notes.
- (idiomatic, chiefly imperative) To use any available means or methods.
1698, John Fryer, “Carries Us to Jelfa; Where Is Treated of the Gabers, or Original Persians, the Armenians, Georgians, and Europe Artisans”, in A New Account of East-India and Persia, in Eight Letters. Being Nine Years Travels, Begun 1672. And Finished 1681. , London: R R for Ri Chiswell, letter V (Travels into Persia), page 266:Which being done, the Women run in the dark to catch as catch can; and whatever Lot they light on, […]
Usage notes
- The past and past participle forms are relatively rare. The various forms seem to reflect some uncertainty as to the intrinsic grammar of the expression. They are caught as caught can, caught as catch can, caught as catch could, and caught as caught could. The variety could be taken to confirm that the expression is truly idiomatic.