catch on

verb6

1. •
   Chiefly followed by to: to cling or hold on to something; to get stuck on something; to take hold.
2. •
   Of an idea, a thing, etc.: to become fashionable or popular; also, to become established as standard; to become commonplace.

   • It’s a crummy idea, and I certainly hope it doesn’t catch on.
   • At first, many people didn’t like that kind of music, but after a while it caught on.
3. •
   (informal) Chiefly followed by to: to (begin to) understand; to realize.

   • He didn’t have to explain; I caught on right away.
   • She’s been catching on pretty well.
4. •
   Followed by to: to recognize the potential of something; also, to take advantage of or use something (especially an idea, a trend, etc.).

   • The NME were very late in catching on to punk, which is why they had to get [Julie] Burchill and [Tony] Parsons in. — 2026
5. •
   (New-England, old-fashioned) Of food being cooked: to become stuck to the cooking vessel and brown or burn slightly.
6. •
   (informal) Chiefly in the form catch oneself on: to cause (oneself) to get or regain a proper appreciation of a situation; to behave in the expected, sensible way; to stop fooling around or being silly.

   • Big Pat's still wearing his hair like two floppy ears on a dog. He's amazing: wouldn't you think his wife or someone would tell him to catch himself on. — 2011