phrases, sayings, idioms and expressions at

Catch-as-catch-can

Posted by Bruce Kahl on November 08, 2003

In Reply to: Catch-as-catch-can posted by R. Colwell on November 08, 2003

: Thanks Bruce,
: I feel so stupid especially since I haven't even been hearing it correctly. Kind of like a lot of songs where I think they're saying something else other than the right lyrics.
: : : : I've been hearing this phrase for 20 years even on tv
: : : : and haven't got a clue what it means. I think it means your screwed but how it means it I don't know.

: : PRONUNCIATION: kchz-kch-kn
: : ADJECTIVE: Using or making do with whatever means are available; irregular: made a catch-as-catch-can living doing odd jobs.
: : ADVERB: However or by whatever means possible: "Reading was learned catch-as-catch-can, while reindeer farming was learned deeply and thoroughly through the daily rigors of survival" (Bunny McBride )
: : The American Heritage ® Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition.

Misheard lyrics are called "mondegreens".
My biggest, dumbest mishear was Creedence in "Bad Moon Rising".
Instead of my hearing "There's a bad moon on the rise" I heard "There's a bathroom on the right".
Lets see----that song was out in 1972 or so?
I found out my mistake in 1992?
DUH!!

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