catch as catch can
Speech parts
1. catch as catch can - Adjective
2. catch as catch can - Verb
3. catch as catch can - Adverb
Meaning
catch as catch can (third-person singular simple present catches as catch can, present participle catching as catch can, no simple past or past participle). See Usage notes.
(idiomatic) To use any available means or methods.
(idiomatic) Only when possible or when the opportunity presents itself; intermittent.
My efforts lately have been catch-as-catch-can, not carefully planned.
(wrestling) Relating to catch wrestling, a form of amateur freestyle wrestling.
catch-as-catch-can (comparative more catch-as-catch-can, superlative most catch-as-catch-can)
Ad hoc; in any way possible.
Alternative names
catch-as-catch-can
Synonyms
Examples
A book is a bottle thrown into the sea on which this label should be attached: Catch as catch can.