I went to catapult a Silver which *should* send my opponent a curse and make them reduce to three cars (I think?). It trashed the copper but caused neither of those effects.
I was playing on my Ipad, if that matters.
The simplest explanation is that champion, moat, or guardian are in play. Hard to say without seeing the game.
Hmm - I'm pretty sure he had no defense, but not positive I suppose. I will look out for that more carefully next time.
Thanks