- Meaning
- This idiom describes being caught unprepared, surprised, or in the midst of an unexpected situation, often leading to a flustered or ineffective response. It implies a lack of readiness, similar to being ambushed, and is used in contexts of work, social interactions, or competition to highlight vulnerability due to poor timing or inattention.
- Origin
- The phrase likely derives from 19th-century British slang, possibly linked to hopscotch or games where players were caught off-balance while ‘hopping.’ Another theory ties it to hunting, where prey is caught ‘on the hop’ while moving. It appeared in print by the 1880s, with an 1889 *Pall Mall Gazette* article using ‘caught on the hop’ to describe a politician surprised by a question. Popular in British and Australian English, it gained traction in the 20th century, especially in informal speech and journalism, reflecting its playful yet vivid imagery.
- Variants
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- Caught on the hop
- Taken on the hop
- Examples
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- She was caught on the hop when the client called with an urgent request.
- The team was taken on the hop by the sudden change in project scope.
- Caught on the hop, he fumbled his lines during the surprise interview.
- They were caught on the hop by the early arrival of the inspectors.
- I was taken on the hop when my friend showed up unannounced at my doorstep.
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