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There's a catch

Phrase of the day

Discover a new phrase each day to use in your English! These are special phrases and sayings that English speakers use all the time, but you don't often see these phrases in English course books or other study material. Visit daily to learn some popular English phrases on a regular basis.

7 August 2026

There's a catch

We use this expression to say that there is a difficult condition attached to something positive.

Written: Yes

Spoken: Yes

Formal: No

Informal: Yes

Example 1

Mum said we could have a party in the flat this weekend.

That's great.

But there's a catch. We have to paint the kitchen first.

Example 2

Look - this advert says you can get a free DVD player!

Yes, but there's a catch. You have to spend over £250 in the shop first.

I see.

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