wants to be caught

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wants to be caught" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is expressing a desire to be discovered or apprehended, often in a metaphorical or playful sense. Example: "He always leaves clues behind, as if he wants to be caught by the detective."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

"Nobody wants to be caught short-staffed," he said.

The New York Times

But no one wants to be caught being shallow.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

After all, who wants to be caught raiding the galley?

The New York Times

NO one wants to be caught with his pants down.

The New York Times - Travel

Which self-respecting CEO these days wants to be caught doing nothing for Africa?

The Economist

No woman climber wants to be caught looking less than fashionable on a mountain peak".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Does he want to be caught?

The New York Times - Books

No one wanted to be caught unprepared.

The New Yorker

We don't want to be caught looking silly twice".

The New York Times - Sports

Hamas does not want to be caught in the middle.

The New York Times

"You don't want to be caught in the pack".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Make sure to choose a different phrasings according to the context, since this expression may sound odd if interpreted literally.

Common error

Avoid assuming a literal desire to be caught without considering the deeper psychological or strategic implications. Overlooking the subtext can lead to misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wants to be caught" functions as a verb phrase expressing a desire or intention to be discovered or apprehended. Ludwig examples show its use in both literal and figurative contexts, indicating a range of underlying motivations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wants to be caught" is a commonly used expression that suggests a hidden desire or intention to be discovered. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While the phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse applications. Understanding the potential subtext and motivations behind this desire is key to interpreting its meaning accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seeks to be found

Highlights the active seeking of a situation where one is located or revealed.

longs to be discovered

Conveys a strong emotional desire to be revealed or uncovered, often in a personal or intimate context.

yearns for discovery

Emphasizes a deep longing to be found out, possibly in a non-literal sense.

desires exposure

Highlights a wish for one's actions or true self to be revealed to others.

hopes to be detected

Expresses a wish for being noticed, particularly in situations where one might otherwise go unseen.

desires apprehension

Focuses on the legal aspect of being caught, implying a wish for formal capture.

invites capture

Suggests actions that encourage or provoke being caught, often implying risk.

wishes to be apprehended

Focuses on the formal act of being caught, especially by authorities.

courts detection

Implies a deliberate exposure to being noticed, often in a strategic or calculated way.

aspires to be unveiled

Suggests a goal of having something hidden revealed, often with a sense of anticipation.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone "wants to be caught"?

It typically suggests a subconscious desire to be discovered, possibly due to guilt, a need for attention, or a strategic calculation. The phrase often implies there's more than meets the eye.

How can I use "wants to be caught" in a sentence?

You might say, "He left obvious clues, as if he "wants to be caught"," indicating a hidden motive or intention.

What's the difference between "wants to be caught" and "willing to be caught"?

"Wants to be caught" implies a deeper, possibly subconscious, desire, whereas "willing to be caught" suggests acceptance or resignation without necessarily desiring it.

Are there any situations where it's inappropriate to use the phrase "wants to be caught"?

Yes, it might be insensitive to use the phrase in situations involving genuine victims or serious crimes where the desire to be caught is unlikely or irrelevant.