What's the catch? spoken language slang
You ask "What's the catch ?" when a situation or deal seems too good, so it makes you suspect and want to know if there are any hidden drawbacks.
A: I'm selling this iPhone 13 for only 100 dollars. B: What's the catch?
Why is this phone selling for so little? The other phones are worth twice as much. What's the catch?
This phrase was formed based on the meaning of the noun "catch". It dates to the 1800s.
To punish someone or something harshly
He's a really strict teacher, so he'll definitely lower the boom on you if you don't do your homework.