catchascatchcan
The phrase 'catch-as-catch-can' is divided into four syllables: catch-as-catch-can. Each word unit ('catch', 'as', 'can') is syllabified based on vowel-consonant patterns, with primary stress on the first syllable of 'catch' and 'can'. The phrase functions as an adverbial idiom.
Definitions
- 1
In any way possible; by any means.
“He won the game catch-as-catch-can.”
“They played the negotiations catch-as-catch-can.”
Stress pattern
Primary stress falls on the first syllable of each 'catch' and 'can'. 'As' is unstressed.
Syllables
catch — Open syllable, stressed.. as — Closed syllable, unstressed.. catch — Open syllable, stressed.. can — Open syllable, stressed.
Vowel-Consonant
Syllables are typically divided after a vowel sound, especially when followed by a consonant.
Compound Word/Phrase
Each individual word within the hyphenated phrase is syllabified independently.
- The hyphenated nature of the phrase requires treating each word unit separately. The /tʃ/ affricate in 'catch' functions as a single unit within the syllable.
Nearby Words
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