Definition of "catch on" in English

Verb

1. To understand; to begin to understand; to realize.

   • He didn't have to explain; I caught on right away.
   • She's been catching on pretty well.

2. To become popular; to become commonplace; to become the standard.

   • It's a crummy idea, and I certainly hope it does not catch on.
   • At first, many people didn't like that kind of music, but after a while it caught on.

3. To become stuck to the cooking vessel; to brown or burn slightly.