get caught up in

When you get caught up in something, you usually forget something else important. Getting caught up in something means to become so engrossed, so interested in what you are doing that you forget about what you are supposed to do.

If you are supposed to call a friend at 3 p.m., but you forget about it because you started watching a dvd that was so interesting, you can call your friend after the movie and say, "I am so sorry; I started watching Terminator and got so caught up in it, I completely forgot to call you."

When you're reading a book that is so amazing that you forget the time, you can recommend the book to someone by saying, "This book is so awesome. I was only going to read a few pages before going to bed last night, but it was so good, I got caught up in the story that I read the whole book. That's why I look so tired. I only got two hours of sleep last night."

You can get caught up in reading a magazine article that you miss your stop on the train. You can get caught up in doing homework that you forget about your friend's party, although the other way around is probably more likely to happen. You can get caught up in a novel or a song or a film that you start crying or dancing or singing or forget where you are. You can get caught up in pretty much any activity if it makes you forget something.

like this:

A: That was an awesome party. Don't you think?

B: Oh yeah. I can't believe I started dancing.

A: I saw that! You were good!

B: Well, I don't normally dance, but the music was so good. I guess I got caught up in it, I just starting moving and the next thing I knew I was on the dance floor. I'm a little embarrassed about it now.

A: Oh, don't worry about it. You were amazing. I got caught up in Scott's speech, I started crying.

B: So did I! I can't believe he's leaving tomorrow.

A: I know. We're all going to miss him.

to be engrossed in something - to be focused on something; to be very interested in the moment
the other way around - the opposite

Well, I hope you get to use this expression soon and often. If you're in the U.S., enjoy the Memorial Day holiday. I hope you get to relax and enjoy some nice weather outdoors. If you're not in the U.S., spend some time outdoors anyway and enjoy the weather.

Until tomorrow,
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