play catch up — ► to try to be as successful as other people, companies, etc.: »The firm has adapted quickly to changes in the global market, leaving its rivals to play catch up. Main Entry: ↑play … Financial and business terms
play catch-up — idi+inf play catch up, to attempt to overtake a competitor or opponent … From formal English to slang
play catch-up — try to score the number of goals the opponent has scored, catch up, too little too late They scored four goals in the first period, and we were playing catch up for the rest of the game … English idioms
play catch-up — N. Amer. try to equal a competitor in a sport or game. → catch … English new terms dictionary
play catch-up — to try to make as much progress as someone or something that you are competing with All her opponents are now playing catch up … English dictionary
play catch-up — verb in a losing scenario, to take risks in an attempt to regain the lead. See also play the percentages … Wiktionary
catch-up — [kach′up΄] adj. of or having to do with catching up ☆ play catch up ball or play catch up to try to equal or surpass one s opponent in competition, as a ballgame, in which one is behind … English World dictionary
play — [plā] vi. [ME plein < OE plegan, to play, be active] 1. to move lightly, rapidly, or erratically; flutter [sunlight playing on the waves] 2. to amuse oneself, as by taking part in a game or sport; engage in recreation 3. to take active part in … English World dictionary
Catch Me If You Can (musical) — Catch Me If You Can is a work in progress musical adaptation of the 2002 film of the same name, with a book by Terrence McNally, music and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, and choreography by Jerry Mitchell. The musical had a reading in… … Wikipedia
catch-up — catch′ up adj. cvb intended to keep up with or surpass a norm or competitor: catch up pay raises[/ex] • play catch up Etymology: 1835–45, amer … From formal English to slang
