cat nap
Meaning
A short, light sleep or brief doze, usually during the day.
Origin
Recorded from the 1800s; it likely alludes to a catβs habit of taking frequent, brief naps and lightly dozing rather than long, deep sleep.
Notes
Casual and everyday. Implies a brief, light sleep (often daytime) rather than a full nap or proper sleep.
Examples
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I took a quick cat nap on the couch during my lunch break.
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She grabbed a cat nap on the train and felt much better afterward.
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If you have ten minutes, a cat nap can really boost your energy.
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He likes to take a cat nap in his office before the afternoon meeting.
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After the long drive, I closed my eyes for a cat nap while the kids played.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as a noun: βtake/have a cat nap,β βa quick cat nap.β Often written with a space (cat nap), sometimes hyphenated (cat-nap) as a modifier.
Synonyms
- nap
- power nap
- doze
- catnap
Antonyms
- pull an all-nighter
- stay awake