Catching strays can refer to stray dogs- the job of the dogcatcher, or stray bullets- that is to say they were caught up in something unrelated to them.
I think “catching strays” actually predates bullets and refers to getting accidentally punched or kicked when people nearby to you start fighting and get messy.
Catching strays can refer to stray dogs- the job of the dogcatcher, or stray bullets- that is to say they were caught up in something unrelated to them.
Hmm, I've never heard that usage before, thanks for teaching me something new!
I think “catching strays” actually predates bullets and refers to getting accidentally punched or kicked when people nearby to you start fighting and get messy.