hot catch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'hot catch' is not correct in written English.
If you are referring to the act of catching a hot object, you can use the phrase 'catch something hot' or 'catch a hot object'. For example: I had to be careful not to burn my hands when I caught the hot pan.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This prodigious musician, an elfin figure who uses no baton, instead sculpting the air with splayed hands and expressive flicks of a shoulder or elbow or index finger, is a hot catch for this fine orchestra.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

For a blues how-to with a red-hot agenda, catch the spicy, rich-throated duo of Aurelia Williams and Q.

The New York Times

The Rays' Wil Myers hit.333 last week, but Yasiel Puig, who received nearly 65 percent of the vote in Question No. 2, stayed too hot to catch.

The New York Times

The outcome? "A couple of months of warm water, a mattress to kip on, hot food, catch up on the soaps..."...

Vice

There are not "hot potato" catches allowed nor second catches meaning you catch it, it falls, then catch it again).

WikiHow

The women still wore earrings -- we knew the metal got hot and caught on the headsets -- and had their hair pulled back with scrunchies.

Huffington Post

You can catch hot new talent such as Unknown Mortal Orchestra, King Krule and Iggy Azalea this year.

Independent

The temperature must be precisely controlled at this step: if it's too hot, the fibers catch fire.

The New York Times

Before every game, he soaks in a hot tub, plays catch, then runs a little to break a sweat.

The New York Times - Sports

Early in the film, we see him swivel around in his hot tub to catch a Dan Rather report on the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

The New Yorker

Add the chopped, dry spinach and paneer and stir vigorously until hot – it should catch a little, but watch it doesn't burn.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to the action of catching something that is hot, use the construction "catch something hot" or "catch a hot [object]". For example, "Be careful when you catch the hot pan".

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "hot catch" when intending to describe catching a hot object. This phrasing is not grammatically correct in standard English.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hot catch" functions primarily as a noun phrase, although its grammatical correctness is disputed. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrasing is not standard English. The intended purpose varies depending on the context, sometimes describing catching a hot object or, informally, a desirable person.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while "hot catch" may appear in informal writing, it's generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English, as confirmed by Ludwig. When referring to catching a hot object, use "catch something hot" instead. If you intend to describe a desirable person or talent, opt for alternatives like "sought-after individual" or "prime talent" for greater clarity and grammatical accuracy. Given its limited and often incorrect usage, caution is advised. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media and Wiki content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

catch something hot

Changes the word order to adhere to a more standard grammatical structure.

secure a prime talent

Focuses on obtaining a highly skilled or valuable individual.

land a top prospect

Implies the successful recruitment of a promising candidate.

snag a desirable person

Emphasizes the act of attracting or acquiring someone desirable.

attract a sought-after individual

Highlights the appeal or allure that draws someone in.

grab a rising star

Emphasizes quick action to secure someone with great potential.

find a desirable mate

Specifically refers to finding a partner, often with romantic implications.

get a great acquisition

Highlights a positive outcome with the implication of gain.

obtain an in-demand professional

Formal phrasing for acquiring the services of a highly requested expert.

acquire a prominent figure

Focuses on the act of gaining the services of a renowned or influential person.

FAQs

How can I correctly refer to catching a hot object?

The correct way is to say "catch something hot" or "catch a hot object". For instance, "Be careful when you catch something hot from the oven."

Is "hot catch" grammatically correct?

No, "hot catch" is not grammatically correct in standard English. It's better to use phrases like "catch something hot".

What does "hot catch" mean, if it's not about physical heat?

While grammatically incorrect, "hot catch" might be used informally to describe someone very desirable or talented, similar to a "hot commodity".

Are there formal alternatives to the informal meaning of "hot catch"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "desirable person", "prime talent", or "sought-after individual" to convey the same idea in a more formal manner.