The term "40 winks" is believed to have originated in the early 19th century, with "winks" referring to short naps or brief periods of sleep. The exact origin of the number 40 is unclear, but it may have been chosen for its rhythm and familiarity, echoing other phrases that use numerals. The phrase suggests a quick rest or a brief respite, emphasizing the idea of a short, refreshing sleep rather than a lengthy slumber.
The saying "forty winks" refers to a short nap and is believed to originate from the 19th century. The term "winks" suggests brief periods of sleep, while "forty" may have been chosen for its rhythmic sound rather than a specific measure of time. Some theories link it to the idea that forty minutes is a suitable duration for a quick rest, although there is no definitive source to confirm this. Overall, the phrase evokes the notion of a quick, refreshing sleep.
He who winks
The phrase "forty winks" comes from an issue of Punch Magazine in 1872. This article was describing the Articles of Faith found in the Church of England.
It is just a short, light sleep, a cat nap or a snooze
I understood the term to be rhyming slang for 'For Free', origin un-known. I understood the term to be rhyming slang for 'For Free', origin un-known. See related link for answer.
The term 'catch 40 winks' means catching 40 minutes of sleep (a nap.)
40 winks is an expression. It refers to a short nap.
A short nap is referred to as 40 winks.
40 Winks - 1999 VG is rated/received certificates of: USA:E
The cast of 40 Winks - 1999 includes: Lani Minella Marc Silk
40 Winks is a Quick Nap
The cast of 40 Winks - 2010 includes: Kether Donohue as Violet George Gallagher as Emmanuel Plaine
40
Yes
A person that didn't sleep a wink is someone who got almost no sleep at all, and to catch 40 winks is to catch a very brief but refreshing nap. The number 40 has a wide range of citations in the Bible and may have some application to this expression.
Thieves, as in Ali Baba and the forty thieves. Baseball teams can have 40 players. Winks - to sleep is to catch 'Forty winks"
Where did the term derby originate?