catch a train — to board a train, usually implying arriving at the station in time for departure
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: to board a train, usually implying arriving at the station in time for departure
Pronunciation (IPA): /kætʃ ə treɪn/
Example Sentences
- My alarm didn't go off, but I still managed to catch my train by running in my pajamas.
- She always arrives 30 minutes early to catch her train because she's terrified of being late.
- I thought I could catch the train after finishing this entire pizza, but physics had other plans.
catch a train
NOUN[/kætʃ ə treɪn/]
to board a train, usually implying arriving at the station in time for departure
She sprints across the platform to catch a train just as the doors begin to close.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The phrase 'catch a train' emerged in the 19th century during the railway era. 'Catch' derives from Old French 'cachier' (to chase, to hunt), while 'train' comes from Latin 'trahere' (to pull or draw). The expression metaphorically describes the act of boarding a departing train as if seizing something in motion, likening it to capturing a fleeing animal.
Breakdown
catch (Old French cachier: to chase, pursue) + train (Latin trahere: to pull, draw). The phrase combines a hunting metaphor with the mechanical motion of rail transport, forming an idiomatic expression for boarding a departing train.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My alarm didn't go off, but I still managed to catch my train by running in my pajamas.”
“She always arrives 30 minutes early to catch her train because she's terrified of being late.”
“I thought I could catch the train after finishing this entire pizza, but physics had other plans.”
“To catch the first train, he has to wake up at 5 AM every weekday.”
📚Related Words
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