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Meaning of catch a Tartar | Babel Free

Verb CEFR C1

Definitions

  1. To discover someone is much stronger, much more dangerous, or much more violent than they appeared at first, especially after laying hands on them
    archaic, colloquial
  2. To fail in attempt to rob someone who turns out to be a stronger robber.
    obsolete
  3. To discover someone who cannot be controlled or disposed of more generally.
    archaic, colloquial, figuratively

Examples

“Now thou hast got me for a Tartar, To make⟳ m 'gainst my will take⟳ quarter.”
“What a Tartar have⟳ I caught!”
“Tell⟳ him, if he try⟳, he may catch⟳ a Tartar.”
“You must give⟳ up flirting, my boy, or if I mistake⟳ not, you'll find⟳ you've caught a Tartar.”

CEFR level

C1
Advanced
This word is part of the CEFR C1 vocabulary — advanced level.
See all C1 English words →

See also

catch a wave catch air catch as catch can catch big air catch dust catch feelings

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