# catch a Tartar

> English word · Verb

## Definitions
1. To discover someone is much stronger, much more dangerous, or much more violent than they appeared at first, especially after laying hands on them
2. To fail in attempt to rob someone who turns out to be a stronger robber.
3. To discover someone who cannot be controlled or disposed of more generally.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/catch-a-tartar