Catch/take somebody’s fancy Definition 1 of 1Pro Tip 1/3Subjective Appeal The phrase expresses personal attraction or interest, not a general opinion. Oddly enough, old maps really catch my fancy. Pro Tip 2/3Instant Attraction It often implies a spontaneous or immediate interest in something. As soon as he saw the guitar, it took his fancy. Pro Tip 3/3Informal Usage Mainly used in casual conversation or writing, not in formal contexts. I'm not sure why, but this quirky café really takes my fancy.