catch some z’s
Meaning
To get some sleep; take a nap or go to bed.
Origin
“Z” has long been used in comics/cartoons to represent snoring/sleep. “Catch some Z’s” (popularized in 20th-century American English) builds on “catch” meaning “get” (as in “catch some rest”).
Notes
Casual, spoken phrase. Often implies a quick nap, but can also mean going to sleep in general. Not formal; avoid in business writing.
Examples
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I’m going to catch some z’s before my flight leaves at dawn.
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You look exhausted—why don’t you catch some z’s for a bit?
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I couldn’t catch any z’s last night because the neighbors were so loud.
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She caught some z’s on the train and felt better when she arrived.
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If you can catch some z’s during your lunch break, you’ll be more productive this afternoon.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed phrase: usually “catch some Z’s” (plural, with apostrophe). Often used with modal/infinitive: “I’m going to catch some Z’s.” You can vary tense (“caught some Z’s”), but wording is mostly fixed.
Synonyms
- get some sleep
- catch some sleep
- get some shut-eye
- get some rest
- take a nap
Antonyms
- stay awake
- pull an all-nighter