Pronunciation: [kˈat͡ʃɪz wɪð] (IPA) 
"Catches with" is spelled with a "tch" digraph, which is pronounced like the "ch" in "church". This sound is made by blocking air flow with the tongue and releasing it suddenly to create a burst of air. The "es" combination is pronounced like a short "i" sound and the final "s" is pronounced with a voiceless "s" sound, like the "s" in "sister". Altogether, "catches with" is phonetically transcribed as /ˈkætʃɪz wɪð/.
"Catches with" refers to the act of intercepting, apprehending, or capturing something or someone after pursuing or chasing them. It entails reaching or grasping an object or an individual that is moving or evading, typically with the intention of stopping, detaining, or halting their progress. The phrase emphasizes the successful act of meeting and seizing the target or achieving a desired outcome after an effortful pursuit.
In a literal sense, "catches with" can denote physically apprehending a fleeing criminal, a runaway object, or even capturing a mischievous animal. This action requires speed, agility, and persistence to close the gap between the pursuer and the target, eventually overcoming the target's attempts to elude capture.
However, "catches with" can also be used metaphorically to describe reaching or achieving one's goal, attaining success, or catching up to someone's accomplishments. It could imply that one has matched or surpassed another's achievements or progress by surpassing them in a particular area. This figurative sense of "catches with" indicates a gradual but successful effort to reach the same level of proficiency, performance, or accomplishment as someone else.
In conclusion, "catches with" involves intercepting or apprehending someone or something after pursuing them, either literally in a physical sense or metaphorically in terms of matching or surpassing someone's achievements or progress.
The phrase "catches with" does not have a distinct etymology because it is not a specific word in itself. "Catches with" is a combination of the verb "catch" and the preposition "with", which when combined, create a phrasal verb.
The verb "catch" has Middle English origins from the Old Northern French word "cachier", meaning "to catch, capture". It ultimately derives from the Latin word "captiare", also meaning "to seize or take hold of".
The preposition "with" has Old English roots from the word "wið", which means "against" or "opposite". It has Germanic origins and is related to the German word "wider" and the Dutch word "weder".
When "catch" and "with" are combined in the phrase "catches with", it suggests a sense of entangling, obtaining, or grasping.
