"a working to overtake a leading rival," by 1971, probably a figurative use from U.S. football in reference to being behind in the score. From verbal phrase catch up, which was used from early 14c. in sense "raise aloft" and from 1855 in sense "overtake;" see catch (v.) + up (adv.).
双语例句
1. He missed the catch and the match was lost.
他没有接住球，比赛输了。
来自柯林斯例句
2. The teapot came with a stand to catch the drips.
那把茶壶配有一个可以接滴水的茶托。
来自柯林斯例句
3. The white sails billow with the breezes they catch.
一张张白帆随着微风舞动。
来自柯林斯例句
4. They skip rope and play catch, waiting for the bell.
