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be caught short

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be caught short

1. To be unprepared for a certain situation, often one involving money. I was caught short at the restaurant, so I had to borrow money from my mom.

2. To become pregnant when one is not married. I think that Heather has missed so much school because she's caught short.

3. slang To have an urgent need to use the toilet. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. I always use the toilet before a long drive, to avoid being caught short.

See also: caught, short

be caught short

 

1. (British & Australian informal) to have a sudden urgent need to go to the toilet You should go to the toilet before you leave. You don't want to be caught short on the journey.

2. (American & Australian informal) to suddenly find you are not prepared for a situation, especially to be without money when you need it I'm caught short. Can you you lend me some money so I can pay for my lunch?

See also: caught, short