CATCH UP

{v.} 1. To take or pick up suddenly; grab (something). * /She caught up the book from the table and ran out of the room./ 2. To capture or trap (someone) in a situation; concern or interest very much. - Usually used in the passive with "in". * /The Smith family was caught up in the war in Europe and we did not see them again till it was over./ * /We were so caught up in the movie we forgot what time it was./ Compare: MIX UP. 3. To go fast enough or do enough so as not to be behind; overtake; come even. - Often used with "to" or "with". * /Johnny ran hard and tried to catch up to his friends./ * /Mary missed two weeks of school; she must work hard to catch up with her class./ Compare: UP TO. 4. To find out about or get proof to punish or arrest. - Usually used with "with". * /A man told the police where the robbers were hiding, so the police finally caught up with them./ 5. To result in something bad; bring punishment. - Usually used with "with". * /The boy's fighting caught up with him and he was expelled from school./ * /Smoking will catch up with you./ Compare: CHICKENS COME HOME TO ROOST. 6. To finish; not lose or be behind. - Used with "on" and often in the phrase "get caught up on". * /Frank stayed up late to get caught up on his homework./ * /I have to catch up on my sleep./ * /We caught up on all the latest news when we got back to school and saw our friends again./ Syn.: KEEP UP.