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to catch somebody napping
01
to surprise or outsmart someone who is not paying attention or is unprepared
![to [catch] {sb} napping definition and meaning](https://cdn.langeek.co/photo/44684/original/?type=jpeg "to [catch] {sb} napping definition and meaning")
Idiom
Informal
What is the origin of the idiom "catch someone napping" and when to use it?
The idiom "catch someone napping" likely originated from the idea of finding someone asleep when they should be awake and alert. This phrase is commonly used in situations where someone is unexpectedly taken by surprise.
Examples
The clever student caught the teacher napping and managed to sneak out of class unnoticed.
