pounce

Everyday

1. To jump suddenly onto something to catch it, like a cat catching a mouse. tree →
2. To quickly attack or criticise a mistake or chance: «She pounced on the chance to go». tree →
3. (noun) A sudden jump to catch something. tree →

In the lessons

In science: predators like cats, foxes and lions pounce on prey after stalking it. In stories it tells the reader an attack was sudden and fast. Phrases: «pounce on/upon», «ready to pounce», «pounce on a mistake».

Examples

• The cat pounced on the toy mouse. tree →
• The lion crouched, ready to pounce. tree →
• The fox pounced on a vole in the snow. tree →
• She pounced on the chance to be in the play. tree →
• The teacher pounced on my spelling mistake. tree →
• With one pounce, the kitten caught the ribbon. tree →
• In a jiffy he pounced upon it. tree →

Note

Verb: pounced, pouncing (drop e). Usually with «on» or «upon». Do not confuse with «bounce» (to spring back) or «pounds».