catch someone napping

Find them unprepared

To catch someone napping is to surprise them when they're unprepared or off guard—exploiting a moment of inattention.

From the idea of finding someone literally asleep when they should be alert: The announcement caught investors napping.

We scored while their defense was napping.

Related

exploit · unguarded · inattentive · blindsided · sneak attack · outmaneuver · wrong-foot · overlooked · caught off guard · capitalize · drop the ball · unprepared · asleep · ambush · unalert · nod off · unsuspecting · oversight

Opposites
preparedness/vigilance

catch someone nappingmeet one's match

Encounter a peer

run into a brick wall · hit a wall

fairness of engagement

catch someone nappingplay by the rules

Follow accepted procedures

give notice

outcome for initiator

catch someone nappingbite off more than one can chew

Attempt too much

Family

catch, catches, catching, catcher, catchy, someone, napping, napped, napper

Familiarity
Top 100,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G