to miss a grab; to find someone out
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesverb
to miss a grab; to pounce and catch nothing
neutralLiterally means to lunge or pounce at something but fail to catch it. Often used in a figurative sense for missing an opportunity or failing to achieve an intended action.
The cat pounced at the mouse but missed.
He lunged forward trying to grab the thief, but ended up catching nothing.
verb
to find someone out; to go somewhere and not find the person you're looking for
neutralThe most common modern usage. Describes the experience of going to a place to meet or look for someone, but they are not there.
I went to his house to look for him but found him out.
The police arrived at the scene, but the criminal had already fled; they found nobody again.
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I went to the office to look for him several times, but each time I found him out.
This interview is very important; we absolutely must not go and find nobody there.