taking forty winks

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

At last Helen awoke with a start and found Mr. Palsey taking forty winks opposite her.

From Daisy Ashford: Her Book by Cobb, Irvin S. (Irvin Shrewsbury)

“I mean those two chaps that caught me fast asleep under Paul’s rug on the back seat, taking forty winks when I ought to have kept wide awake.”

From The Auto Boys' Vacation by Braden, James A. (James Andrew)

The old driver was curled up on his wagon, taking "forty winks," as he called a nap, before starting on the road again.

From Mr. Stubbs's Brother A Sequel to 'Toby Tyler' by Otis, James

The Marchioness felt she was justified in taking forty winks, and did so.

From Parlous Times A Novel of Modern Diplomacy by Wells, David Dwight

"I was just taking forty winks after my bit of dinner."

From The Lovels of Arden by Braddon, M. E. (Mary Elizabeth)