catch big air: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘catch big air’ mean?
The idiom "catch big air" means to gather a significant amount of momentum or speed while performing a jump or trick in sports or extreme activities, usually in the air. It implies a daring and impressive feat, showcasing skill and excitement.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "take air" means to go outside, usually for a brief period of time, in order to get some fresh air or take a break from an indoor environment.
An idiom meaning to outdo or surpass someone's accomplishment or action.
The idiom "dive in" means to start or begin something quickly and enthusiastically, without hesitation or reservation.
The idiom "come thick and fast" means that something is happening or being presented rapidly and in large numbers.
The idiom "catch flies" means to do something unproductive or idle, often in a way that suggests a lack of focus or concentration on important tasks.
The idiom "catch fire" means to become popular, exciting, or successful very quickly.
The idiom "catch a wave" means to take advantage of a good opportunity or trend, often in a timely manner in order to benefit from it. It can be used in various contexts to describe riding the wave of success, popularity, or a favorable situation.
The idiom "catch-as-catch-can" means to do something in a disorganized or unplanned way, taking whatever opportunities or resources are available at the moment.
The idiom "catch as catch can" means to do something in an unplanned or haphazard way, taking advantage of any available opportunity or method without any particular order or rules.
The idiom "catch air" means to become airborne or to jump off a ramp while skateboarding, snowboarding, or biking.
Decoding Extreme Elevations
The idiom "catch big air" is often used in extreme sports, particularly in the context of skateboarding, snowboarding, and BMX biking. It refers to a daring and impressive jump or maneuver that allows the athlete to become airborne for a significant amount of time.
When someone uses the phrase "catch big air," they are describing the action of successfully executing a jump or trick that propels them high into the air. This idiom emphasizes the notion of capturing or seizing the opportunity to experience a moment of exhilaration and thrill while defying gravity.
The origins of this idiom can be traced back to the development and evolution of extreme sports in the late 20th century. As these sports gained popularity and professional athletes began pushing the boundaries of what was deemed possible, the need for an expression to encapsulate the essence of these remarkable jumps arose.
While the idiom primarily finds its usage in extreme sports, it has also permeated popular culture and everyday language. It is not uncommon to hear people using the phrase metaphorically to describe any moment of taking risks or embracing opportunities with enthusiasm and determination.
The idiom "catch big air" has become ingrained in the lexicon of extreme sports enthusiasts and those seeking to embrace the spirit of adventure in their lives. Its usage encompasses the thrill of defying gravity, the pursuit of pushing one's limits, and the exhilaration of experiencing a fleeting moment of weightlessness.
The term "catch air" is another idiomatic expression often used in the context of extreme sports. It is closely related to "catch big air" but is more general in nature, referring to any instance where an athlete becomes airborne during a jump or trick.
Catching air is not limited to specific sports like skateboarding, snowboarding, or BMX biking. It can be applied to any activity that involves jumping or performing tricks that result in a temporary airborne state.
Similar to "catch big air," the phrase "catch a wave" is an idiom often used in the realm of water sports, particularly surfing. It refers to the act of successfully riding or surfing a wave, taking advantage of its energy and motion to propel oneself forward.
Surfers strive to catch a wave because it allows them to experience the thrill and excitement of gliding along the water's surface. Just like catching big air, catching a wave requires skill, timing, and an ability to adapt to changing conditions.
Another related idiom is "catch fire." This expression is commonly used to describe something or someone suddenly becoming extremely successful, popular, or influential. When applied to the world of extreme sports, catching fire would refer to an athlete or their performance becoming widely recognized and celebrated.
If a skateboarder, snowboarder, or BMX biker "catches fire," it means that they are consistently performing at a high level, garnering attention from both their peers and the broader sports community.
The final related idiom is "take air." This phrase is often used interchangeably with "catch air" and describes the action of becoming airborne during a jump or trick.
Whether an athlete is taking air or catching air, it signifies a moment of excitement, skill, and precision. It is a testament to their ability to navigate the physical and mental challenges involved in extreme sports and achieve a temporary state of weightlessness.
Example usage
1. During the skateboarding competition, Tony caught big air when he successfully performed a high-flying trick over the halfpipe.
2. The snowboarder caught big air as he soared off the ramp, executing a perfect backflip before landing smoothly on the other side.
3. The BMX rider amazed the crowd by catching big air over the huge jump, spinning his bike multiple times before gracefully touching down.
More "Sports" idioms
