The idiom ‘catch a cold’ refers to the act of becoming ill, specifically with a cold virus that typically causes symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, sneezing, and a scratchy throat. This phrase is often used in a literal sense to describe someone who is feeling under the weather.
However, it can also be used metaphorically to indicate that someone has fallen into a difficult or undesirable situation. For example, someone might say, ‘If you don’t take precautions while traveling in winter, you might catch a cold.’ In this case, it’s a straightforward warning about health.
Additionally, when someone mentions ‘catching a cold’ in a more figurative context, it can imply that they are facing the consequences of their actions, akin to dealing with the repercussions of taking risks without being careful.