Definition of the word catch at

The phrase "catch at" originated from the Old Norse word "hatta," which meant "to get" or "to catch." In Middle English, this word was spelled "catchten," and it was used as a past participle with the meaning of "caught" or "obtained." Over time, the phrase evolved to "catch at" in English to denote a temporary capture or grasp of something. The "at" in "catch at" is a preposition that signifies the object, circumstance, or opportunity being briefly captured or grasped. For example, in the phrase "I caught at a straw to save myself from drowning," the phrase "catch at" implies that the speaker momentarily grasped onto a straw to save themselves from drowning, but it was a temporary solution, and they still needed a more permanent rescue. Overall, "catch at" demonstrates the evolution of English through the preservation of Old Norse words and the adaptation of grammatical structures over time.