catch napping
To surprise; to take advantage of the lack of watchfulness of.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The thief caught the guard napping.”
“The team lost the game because the defense was caught napping during the final minute.”
“The sudden change in market conditions caught many experienced investors napping, leading to significant financial losses for those who failed to prepare.”
- 01
catch a body
to kill, to murder
- 02
catch a break
To experience the minimal amount of good luck or a favorable outcome.
- 03
catch a case
To be infected with a disease; used with of.
- 04
catch a cold
To contract a cold.
- 05
catch a date
Of a prostitute, to secure a client who is willing to pay for services.
- 06
catch a fade
To get knocked out (struck and rendered unconscious).
- 07
catch a falling knife
To buy a financial instrument whose price is falling rapidly.
- 08
catch a packet
To be fired upon.
Last updated August 10, 2026