catch a cold
Become ill
शाब्दिक अर्थ: To grab or capture low temperatures
Use `catch a cold` to naturally explain a minor illness in any social or professional setting.
15 सेकंड में
- Used when you start feeling sick with a cough or sneeze.
- Common in both professional and casual daily conversations.
- Refers specifically to minor viral infections, not serious injuries.
मतलब
This phrase means you have started to feel sick with a minor illness like a cold or the flu. It describes the moment you 'get' the virus from the air or another person.
मुख्य उदाहरण
3 / 6Explaining an absence to a boss
I'm sorry I missed the meeting; I think I caught a cold over the weekend.
I'm sorry I missed the meeting; I think I became ill over the weekend.
Warning a friend in the rain
Put your coat on or you'll catch a cold!
Put your coat on or you will get sick!
Texting to cancel a date
I'm so sorry, I've caught a cold and I'm a total mess today.
I'm sorry, I'm sick and don't feel well today.
सांस्कृतिक पृष्ठभूमि
The phrase reflects an old folk belief that physical coldness leads to illness. While we now know viruses cause colds, the linguistic link between low temperatures and sickness remains deeply embedded in English-speaking cultures. It is one of the most frequent health-related idioms used in daily life.
The Grammar Trap
Remember that 'catch' is irregular. Never say 'catched'. It's always 'I caught a cold' or 'I have caught a cold'.
The 'Bless You' Rule
If you catch a cold and sneeze in public, people will say 'Bless you!' It's polite to say 'Thank you' even if you feel terrible.
15 सेकंड में
- Used when you start feeling sick with a cough or sneeze.
- Common in both professional and casual daily conversations.
- Refers specifically to minor viral infections, not serious injuries.
What It Means
Catch a cold is a very common way to say you are sick. It specifically refers to the upper respiratory infection that makes you sneeze. You don't literally 'catch' it with your hands. It feels like the sickness 'caught' you instead! It is the most natural way to describe falling ill in English.
How To Use It
You use this phrase when you start feeling those first symptoms. Use it in the past tense caught a cold most of the time. You can also use it as a warning for the future. It is a very flexible phrase. It works for your boss or your best friend. Just remember, it is for small illnesses. Don't use it for a broken leg!
When To Use It
Use it when you need an excuse for missing a party. Use it at the office to explain your red nose. It is perfect for texting a friend to cancel plans. It sounds much more natural than saying "I am experiencing a viral infection." If you are shivering, tell someone you don't want to catch a cold.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for serious medical emergencies. If you are going to the hospital, this phrase is too light. Also, avoid using it for non-contagious things. You cannot catch a cold from eating bad sushi. That would be food poisoning! Also, don't use it if you are already healthy again. It is about the process of getting sick.
Cultural Background
English speakers have a strange obsession with the weather and sickness. For centuries, people believed cold air actually caused the illness. Science proved it is actually viruses, but the name stuck! In the UK and US, people might offer you chicken soup or tea. It is a very 'cozy' way to be sick. Everyone understands the struggle of a stuffy nose.
Common Variations
You might hear people say they are coming down with a cold. This means they feel it starting right now. Others might say they picked up a bug. This is a bit more informal. If it is a very bad one, you caught a nasty cold. If you are lucky, you might shake off a cold quickly. All of these are great for daily talk.
इस्तेमाल की जानकारी
The phrase is neutral and safe for all audiences. The most important thing is using the irregular past tense 'caught' correctly.
The Grammar Trap
Remember that 'catch' is irregular. Never say 'catched'. It's always 'I caught a cold' or 'I have caught a cold'.
The 'Bless You' Rule
If you catch a cold and sneeze in public, people will say 'Bless you!' It's polite to say 'Thank you' even if you feel terrible.
Not for Everything
Don't use this for a stomach ache or a headache. It's specifically for the sneezing, coughing, runny-nose type of sick.
उदाहरण
6I'm sorry I missed the meeting; I think I caught a cold over the weekend.
I'm sorry I missed the meeting; I think I became ill over the weekend.
Professional and polite way to explain a sick day.
Put your coat on or you'll catch a cold!
Put your coat on or you will get sick!
A very common 'motherly' piece of advice.
I'm so sorry, I've caught a cold and I'm a total mess today.
I'm sorry, I'm sick and don't feel well today.
Casual and honest for social situations.
I'm trying not to breathe near him because I don't want to catch his cold.
I am avoiding him so I don't get sick too.
Lighthearted way to talk about avoiding germs.
I always catch a cold right when my vacation starts!
I always get sick exactly when my holiday begins!
Expressing frustration about bad timing.
The kids always catch a cold during the first week of school.
The children always get sick when school starts.
General observation about common situations.
खुद को परखो
Choose the correct form of the phrase for a past event.
I stayed out in the rain too long and ___ a cold.
The verb 'catch' is irregular. The past tense is always 'caught'.
Complete the warning.
Don't drink from my glass! You might ___ my cold.
We use 'catch' to describe the transmission of a cold from one person to another.
🎉 स्कोर: /2
विज़ुअल लर्निंग टूल्स
Formality of 'Catch a Cold'
Talking to family
I caught a bug.
Standard daily use
I caught a cold.
Medical or official
I have contracted a respiratory infection.
Where to use 'Catch a Cold'
At the Office
Calling in sick to your manager.
With Friends
Explaining why you are sneezing.
At School
Telling a teacher why you missed class.
At Home
Asking for some hot soup.
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल
10 सवालNo, it means you have a viral infection. You can catch a cold even in the middle of a hot summer!
Yes, it is perfectly acceptable. For example: I won't be in today as I've caught a cold.
Catch a cold is the action of getting sick. Have a cold describes the state of being sick.
You can say catch the flu. We usually use 'the' for flu and 'a' for cold.
The past tense is caught. Example: I caught a cold last week.
No, it is a standard English idiom used by everyone from doctors to children.
No, that is a common mistake. Always use caught.
It suggests the illness is like a ball or a bug that you accidentally 'grabbed' from the air.
Yes, it is used universally across all major English-speaking countries.
No, it sounds too minor. You wouldn't say you caught a cold if you have pneumonia.
संबंधित मुहावरे
Coming down with something
Feeling the very beginning of an illness.
Under the weather
Feeling generally unwell or tired.
Pick up a bug
To catch a minor, contagious illness (informal).
Run down
Feeling weak and likely to get sick soon.
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