To catch a Tartar is an idiomatic expression that means to seek out something or someone that turns out to be unexpectedly unpleasant or formidable. The phrase originated from the historical association of Tartars with fierce warriors from the Mongol Empire.
When we say someone has caught a Tartar, it suggests that they have encountered a challenging or difficult situation that they may not have anticipated. It can also refer to encountering a person who is more formidable or formidable than originally thought.
Imagine you are excited to meet someone for the first time, maybe a potential business partner or a new colleague. You have heard great things about this person and are looking forward to working with them. However, when you finally meet them, you realize that they are extremely demanding, difficult to please, or maybe even hostile. In this situation, you can say that you have caught a Tartar.
The phrase emphasizes the unexpected nature of the encounter. It implies that the person or situation is much more challenging or difficult than initially anticipated. It can be used in various contexts, such as personal relationships, business dealings, or any situation where expectations are not met.
For example, let’s say you decide to take up a new hobby, such as playing a musical instrument. You start taking lessons and feel confident about your progress. However, when you join a band or perform in front of an audience for the first time, you realize that the expectations and challenges are much greater than you anticipated. You might say that you have caught a Tartar in pursuing your musical aspirations.
Similarly, in a business context, you might come across a potential client who initially seems easy to work with but later proves to be demanding, difficult, or unreasonable. This unexpected challenge can be described as catching a Tartar in your business dealings.
I have personally experienced situations where I thought something would be relatively easy or straightforward, only to find out that it was much more difficult than expected. It can be frustrating and even overwhelming when you catch a Tartar, as it requires you to rethink your approach and adapt to the unexpected challenges.
In summary, to catch a Tartar means to seek out something or someone that turns out to be unexpectedly unpleasant or formidable. It refers to encountering a situation or person that is more challenging or difficult than originally thought. The phrase highlights the element of surprise and the need to navigate unexpected obstacles.