Catch somebody napping Definition 1 of 1Pro Tip 1/3Unexpected Action Used when an action is done suddenly and the other person isn't prepared for it. The pop quiz caught the students napping, and none had studied. Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Use It's a figurative phrase and doesn't mean someone is actually sleeping. Our competitors caught us napping with their new marketing campaign. Pro Tip 3/3Strategy Reveal Can imply a smart or sneaky move by one party to gain an advantage. He caught us napping by selling the stock before the market crashed.