catch some rays

Meaning

1. 1phraseidiominformal

   To spend time in the sun, especially to get a tan or relax.

   Grammar: Used as an intransitive verb phrase: you catch some rays, not 'catch some rays something'.

   Patterns

   • catch some rays
   • go catch some rays
   • catch a few rays

   We spent the afternoon catching some rays on the beach.

   If you're going to catch some rays, remember to use sunscreen.

   He likes to catch some rays on his balcony after work.

Word forms

Common combinations

catch some rays on the beach

They plan to catch some rays on the beach all morning.

go catch some rays

I'm going to go catch some rays by the pool.

catch a few rays

She caught a few rays during her lunch break.

catch some rays in the garden

On sunny days, he catches some rays in the garden.

Synonyms and how they differ

sunbathe

Sunbathe is more neutral and can be used in any context; catch some rays is informal and often implies relaxation.

tan

Tan as a verb focuses on getting darker skin; catch some rays focuses on spending time in the sun.

Commonly confused: catch some rays or catch some Z's?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “catch some rays”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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