- A question asked when an offer or situation seems too good to be true.
- It implies suspicion that there is a hidden disadvantage, trick, problem, or condition.
Explanation
Origin
- The word catch has been used to mean a hidden difficulty or snag since at least the mid-19th century.
- It relates to the idea of being unexpectedly caught by a problem or condition that wasn't immediately obvious.
- The phrase What's the catch? encapsulates this skepticism.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- What's the angle? (Suggests someone has a hidden motive or strategy)
- What gives? (Expresses general suspicion or confusion about a situation)
- Where's the hook? (Similar imagery to 'catch')
Milder/Standard:
- Are there any conditions?
- What are the terms involved?
- Could you clarify the details?
- Is there anything else I should know?
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal to semi-formal.
- Can be used in casual business discussions, especially when evaluating deals or offers.
- In very formal negotiations, it might sound slightly too direct or cynical; phrasing like Could you outline all the conditions? might be preferred. Tone is crucial to avoid sounding overly accusatory.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Generally well-understood idiomatically. The main risk is using it with a tone that sounds overly aggressive or untrusting rather than just prudently skeptical.
Examples
- They're offering a free tablet with the phone plan? What's the catch?
- He offered to do all that work for free? Sounds great, but what's the catch?
- This apartment is cheap and in a great location... what's the catch? Is it haunted?
Dialogue
Person A: Check out this email! It says I won a free cruise!
Person B: Wow, really? That sounds amazing... but what's the catch?
Person A: Hmm, let me read the fine print... Ah. 'Winner must attend a 3-hour timeshare presentation'.
Person B: There it is. There's always a catch.
Social Media Examples
- Comment on an ad: Get $100 off your first order? Okay, what's the catch? Minimum spend $500?
- Tweet: Job offer seems incredible great salary, remote work... almost too perfect. Trying to figure out, what's the catch? #jobsearch #skeptical
- Forum post: This 'free' software requires access to all my contacts. What's the catch? Selling my data?
Response Patterns
- Reassurance: There's no catch! It's just a special promotion.
- Explanation of conditions: Well, the catch is you have to sign a two-year contract.
- Admission of downside: The catch is that the free version has a lot of ads.
- Defensiveness: What do you mean, 'catch'? It's a genuine offer.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone asks What's the catch?:
- The person making the offer or describing the situation typically explains any conditions, downsides, or tries to alleviate suspicion.
- They might point to the fine print or terms and conditions.
The asker will:
- Listen carefully to the explanation.
- Decide if the catch is acceptable or confirms their suspicion.
- Ask further clarifying questions (So, after the trial period, how much is it?).
Conversation Starter
- No. It's a reaction to information already presented.
Intonation
- Said with a tone of suspicion, skepticism, or cautious curiosity.
- Stress is usually placed firmly on catch, with a rising, questioning intonation at the end.
- What's the CATCH?
Generation Differences
- Widely understood and used by all generations. Skepticism towards deals is timeless.
Regional Variations
- Common and universally understood in all major English-speaking regions.