pounce

Universal Words verb [V] ~ (on / upon sb/sth) to move suddenly forwards in order to attack or catch sb/sth: The lion crouched ready to pounce. * The muggers pounced on her as she got out of the car. * Owen pounced on the loose ball and scored. PHRASALVERBS pounce on / upon sth to quickly notice sth that sb has said or done, especially in order to criticize it SYNSEIZEON/UPON: His comments were pounced upon by the press.