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to catch somebody on the hop
01
to surprise someone by doing something when they are not ready or expecting it, making them feel confused or unable to react quickly
Dialect
British
BritishIdiom
Informal
What is the origin of the idiom "catch someone on the hop" and when to use it?
The idiom "catch someone on the hop" originates from the world of cricket, where "on the hop" refers to a batsman being caught out while in motion during a cricket game. This phrase is used to describe situations where someone is taken by surprise.
Examples
I caught him on the hop with a sudden question, and he couldn't provide an answer.
