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nap

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dirt nap

A state of death or permanent cessation. He's got a lot of nerve to talk to me like that! I think he's looking for a dirt nap! The popular television show now appears headed for a dirt nap following the exit of its lead star.

See also: dirt, nap

a cat nap

A very brief but restful period of sleep. I'm going to try to squeeze in a cat nap before my next shift starts, or else I'll be feeling sluggish for the entire evening.

See also: cat, nap

catch (one) napping

To exploit or capitalize on one's inattention (or, sometimes, literal sleep). We were able to sneak into the building because we caught the security guard napping. I scored a goal after I caught their defenseman napping.

See also: catch, nap

catch someone napping

 and catch someone off balance; catch someone up short

to come upon someone who is unprepared; to surprise someone. (See also asleep at the switch.) The enemy soldiers caught our army napping. The thieves caught the security guard napping. I didn't expect you so soon. You caught me off balance. The teacher asked a trick question and caught me up short. The robbers caught Ann off balance and stole her purse.

See also: catch, nap

take a dirt nap

Sl. to die and be buried. I don't want to end up taking a dirt nap during this operation. Isn't Tom a little young to take a dirt nap?

See also: dirt, nap, take

take a nap

to have a brief period of sleep. I took a short nap just after lunch. The baby takes a long nap each afternoon.

See also: nap, take

catch you napping

to be surprised by something that you have not given attention to I was caught napping by the last storm, but this time I've already got batteries and flashlights and canned food on hand.

See also: catch, nap

be caught napping

to not be ready to deal with something at the time when it happens Arsenal's defence was caught napping as Andrews chipped in a goal from the right.

See also: caught, nap

catch napping

Surprise, take unawares. This term is often used in the passive, as in The United States was really caught napping the day the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. It originated in the mid-1500s as to be taken napping. Also see under off guard.

See also: catch, nap

take a dirt nap

tv. to die and be buried. I don’t want to end up taking a dirt nap during this operation.

See also: dirt, nap, take