catch (someone or something) in (something)

catch (someone or something) in (something)

1. To physically ensnare or capture someone in something, such as a trap. After catching that raccoon in a trap, we set him free far from our house.2. To see, and perhaps apprehend, someone in the act of doing something (often something nefarious). I can't believe I caught my sweet little girl in a lie!See also: catch

catch someone or something in something

to trap someone or something in something. We caught David in the snare by accident. My platoon was caught in an enemy ambush.See also: catch