How Do You Spell CAUGHT SHORT?

Pronunciation: [kˈɔːt ʃˈɔːt] (IPA)

The expression "caught short" can be difficult to spell correctly due to the various sounds in the word. The /k/ sound at the beginning is followed by the diphthong /ɔː/ (as in "law") and the voiceless /t/ sound. The word also ends with the consonant cluster /ʃt/ (as in "ashtray"). Therefore, the correct phonetic transcription of "caught short" is /kɔːt ʃt/, with the emphasis on the first syllable. This expression means to be unexpectedly without something important or necessary, such as money or a restroom.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
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CAUGHT SHORT Meaning and Definition

  1. "Caught short" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a situation where someone is unexpectedly inconvenienced or in an undesirable situation due to a lack of necessary resources or preparations. It refers to being unprepared or lacking something essential at a specific moment.

    Typically, the term is associated with physical needs or urgencies, particularly in relation to bodily functions. For instance, if someone is caught short, it means they are suddenly in need of using a restroom or toilet facilities but find none available or accessible. This can cause discomfort or embarrassment as they are unable to relieve themselves immediately.

    However, the phrase can also be applied to other situations besides bodily needs. For instance, if someone runs out of cash in a foreign country or loses their wallet, they can be caught short without means to pay for their expenses. Additionally, if someone forgets to bring important documents or materials needed for a presentation or meeting, they can be caught short without necessary resources to fulfill their responsibilities.

    In summary, "caught short" is a phrase used to describe being unexpectedly unprepared or lacking necessary resources at a crucial moment, often leading to discomfort, inconvenience, or even embarrassment.

Common Misspellings for CAUGHT SHORT

  • xaught short
  • vaught short
  • faught short
  • daught short
  • czught short
  • csught short
  • cwught short
  • cqught short
  • cayght short
  • cahght short
  • cajght short
  • caight short
  • ca8ght short
  • ca7ght short
  • caufht short
  • cauvht short
  • caubht short
  • cauhht short
  • cauyht short
  • cautht short

Etymology of CAUGHT SHORT

The phrase "caught short" has its origins in English slang and dates back to the early 20th century. The term "caught" in this context means to be unexpectedly or suddenly placed in a difficult situation or predicament. The word "short" refers to a state of lacking or being in a deficient position.

The phrase itself first became popular in the 1920s and 1930s in British and Australian English. It was commonly used to describe a situation where someone urgently needed to use the toilet but was unable to find one, therefore being "caught short".

Over time, the phrase has broadened in usage and can now describe being caught unprepared or lacking in various situations, not just in the need for a restroom.

Idioms with the word CAUGHT SHORT

  • be caught short The idiom "be caught short" means to find oneself in a difficult or embarrassing situation due to a lack of something necessary, such as time, money, or resources. It refers to being unprepared or inadequately equipped to handle a specific situation.
  • caught short "Caught short" is an informal idiom that means to suddenly find oneself in a difficult or embarrassing situation because necessary arrangements were not made. It is often used to describe being unprepared or without something that is needed urgently.