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Reference : Idioms : F : forty winks

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forty winks Informal

Meaning: If you have forty winks, you have a short sleep, or a nap.

For example:

  • If I have a late night I sometimes catch forty winks on the train on the way to work.

  • If you're driving on a long trip and you feel yourself getting sleepy, stop and have forty winks. It might save your life, and the lives of other people too.

Quick Quiz:

I'll sometimes have forty winks if
  1. I see a pretty girl
  2. I get something in my eye
  3. I feel a bit sleepy

Discuss: forty winks

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