The Open Dictionary

catch up with someone

Related to word: catch

Phrasal Verb

Definition (consequence)

  1. C2

    When unfavorable actions or events impact you, they start to create complications.

    • Her lateness eventually caught up with her at work, as she failed to meet deadlines.

    • His health issues caught up with him in life, leading him to require medical treatment.

    • If we don't resolve the issues quickly, this economic crisis may catch up with us and cause further losses.

Definition (punishment)

  1. When authorities identify your wrongdoing, they often penalize you for your actions.

    • The police finally caught up with the fugitives and brought them back to court.

    • The government is working to catch up with tax evaders to ensure they are held accountable for their actions.

    • The victims' families hope that the law can catch up with the perpetrators to bring justice for their loss.