Be caught short Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Urgency Expresses a sudden, urgent need related to bodily functions. Long queues can be problematic if you're caught short. Pro Tip 2/3Informal Used mainly in informal situations among friends or family. Let's take a break soon; someone might get caught short. Pro Tip 3/3Embarrassment Mentioning this phrase could imply or cause embarrassment, use with discretion. Sorry for the interruption, I was caught short just now.