But there is an outside chance that it might, especially since markets were caught on the hop.

ECONOMIST: Gambling with the mighty greenback | The

And when some of its chief assumptions proved less than robust, it was caught on the hop.

ECONOMIST: Blind faith

The danger of being caught on the hop by extreme moves in financial markets seems, if anything, to have risen.

ECONOMIST: The trader��s lament

At least incumbents have no excuse for getting caught on the hop.

ECONOMIST: Emerging multinationals

Some observers ask whether China has truly been caught on the hop.

ECONOMIST: The boy lama��s long and mysterious journey

One activist did admit to being "caught on the hop" by the question and asks whether they can "phone a friend" but no-one seems fazed or defensive about the opportunity to talk about the issue.

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The officer in charge of the police operation at Belfast City Hall has denied police were caught "on the hop" by rioting.

BBC: Belfast police defend City Hall flag riot response

It caught everyone on the hop, not least Harriet Harman, whose office was still insisting the vote would be whipped, even after Gordon Brown had spoken.

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