to catch (a) cold

Definition & Meaning of "catch (a) cold"in English

to catch (a) cold

PHRASE

to get sick with a virus that causes a runny nose, cough, and sore throat

to [catch] (a|) cold definition and meaning

Collocation

Examples

I felt terrible yesterday; I caught cold after getting soaked in the rain.

She caught a cold after being out in the rain.

to face problems and difficulties, particularly financial ones

Idiom

Informal

What is the origin of the idiom "catch cold" and when to use it?

The idiom "catch cold" likely originated from the idea that catching a cold can happen suddenly and unexpectedly, much like how unforeseen problems or difficulties can arise abruptly in life. Over time, extending metaphorically to represent facing unforeseen challenges or difficulties in life.

Examples

It was all going according to plan until we caught a cold and lost funding at the lab.

The film caught a cold over the outstanding debt.