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caught short

(idiom, informal) unprepared or without enough of something when it is needed.

ˈkɑt ˈʃɔɹt153 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
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UK
#1·Apr 27, 2026UK

(idiom, informal) unprepared or without enough of something when it is needed.

Some clever person came up with the apt name of little John (or big John for the optimist) for a suitably shaped container for those who were caught short.
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UK
#2·Apr 27, 2026UK

(British, euphemism) Needing to use the toilet at a point where no toilet facilities are available.

Some clever person came up with the apt name of little John (or big John for the optimist) for a suitably shaped container for those who were caught short.
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