Meaning: This idiom is used to describe someone who has contracted an illness, typically a mild one such as a cold or flu.
Usage in Example Sentences:
- “I won’t be able to come to the office today; I think I’ve caught a bug.”
- “After spending time with his sick friend, Mark caught a bug and has been feeling unwell for the past few days.”
- “She caught a bug while traveling, but thankfully it wasn’t anything serious.”
Origin: The origin of the idiom “caught a bug” is unclear, but it likely stems from the idea of being infected by a microscopic organism, such as a virus or bacteria, which is often colloquially referred to as a “bug.” The use of “caught” suggests the sudden onset of illness, as if one has unexpectedly encountered the bug and become infected. This idiom is commonly used in informal conversation to describe instances of minor illness or infection.
