Question

Choose the most appropriate alternative meaning to the given idiom/phrase.
CAUGHT UP WITH
A) Conversed
B) Tackled
C) Arrested
D) Overtook

Answer 1

Hint: An idiom is a commonly used saying or word with a figurative meaning that differs from the literal meaning of the term. When you say you're "under the weather," for example, you don't necessarily mean you're standing in the rain.

Complete answer:
An idiom is a phrase or term that usually presents a figurative, non-literal meaning attached to the phrase; but certain phrases become figurative idioms while maintaining the literal meaning of the phrase. Categorized as formulaic language, an idiom's figurative sense is distinct from the literal meaning.

To be "caught up" means to be preoccupied with something to the point of forgetting about other items. It may be a pretty kid, but it is typically used for school or work, watching television, or surfing the internet. "I got so engrossed in answering questions on paper that I forgot to go to class," for example.

Option A) Conversed: Converse means to have a conversation with others.
To speak to someone or something about someone or something else. I can't give you a response until I converse with Carol about this question. Is she still at work today? Conversed doesn’t have the same meaning as the meaning of the idiom “Caught up with”. Hence, this option is incorrect.

Option B) Tackled: A tackle is a move used in almost all types of football. The primary and most important goals of tackling are to take an opponent's ball, prevent them from gaining ground towards the goal or prevent them from carrying out their intended action. Tackled doesn’t have the same meaning as the meaning of the idiom “Caught up with”. Hence, this option is incorrect.

Option C) Arrested: An individual is arrested when they are apprehended and taken into custody, normally because they are suspected of or seen committing a crime. The person may be interrogated and/or charged after being taken into custody. In the criminal justice system, an arrest is a practice. Arrested doesn’t have the same meaning as the meaning of the idiom “Caught up with”. Hence, this option is incorrect.

Option D) Overtook: to step in front of a vehicle or human from behind
To overtake the bus, I accelerated. Garcia was gaining on her rival during the race, but overtook her at the finish line. There will be no overtaking if there is a continuous white line down the centre of the lane. Overtook does have the same meaning as the meaning of the idiom “Caught up with”. Hence, this option is correct.

Note: A phrase is “a small group of words standing together as a conceptual unit”, while an idiom is “a group of words established by usage as having a meaning not deducible from those of the individual words”.