(idiom, informal) unprepared or without enough of something when it is needed.
(idiom, informal) unprepared or without enough of something when it is needed.
Some clever person came up with the apt name of little John (or big John for the optimist) for a suitably shaped container for those who were caught short.
Add your own interpretation of "caught short".
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(transitive, slang, AAVE) To catch off guard, unprepared, or in an embarrassing situation.
(UK, intransitive) To have an insufficient amount.
(US, slang, idiomatic) To take a punch; to get hit, especially with the hand or fist.
(slang, idiomatic) To be unexpectedly and casually insulted in a seemingly unrelated discussion or argument.
(British, euphemism) Needing to use the toilet at a point where no toilet facilities are available.
Some clever person came up with the apt name of little John (or big John for the optimist) for a suitably shaped container for those who were caught short.