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Region: US | Usage example: After the overnight shift, she went home to catch some Zs.

Catch some Zs

Meaning

Get a little sleep.

Usage

Lighthearted way to say someone needs rest.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

The letter Z mimics snoring in cartoons and comic strips.

American comic art of the early 20th century popularized Zs as sleep symbols.