Question

Choose the correct meaning of the given phrase. “Forty winks”
A) Sleeplessness
B) Sound sleep
C) Short sleep during the day
D) Affliction of eyes
E) Prying of eyes

Answer 1

Hint:This phrase has been used by writers like Carrol Lewis and F. Scott Fitzgerald in their respective books. The phrase has been given other similar meanings by different works of literature.

Complete answer:
The phrase ‘Forty winks’ means to take a short nap during the day time. The author HMAS Perth, used this phrase in his book for this particular meaning. He writes about an exhausted sailor who falls asleep right next to his breakfast. Hence, he had a short nap during the day time.

Sleeplessness is a condition in which a person does not fall asleep easily, or does not sleep at all. It may also mean difficulty in sleeping. This condition is also called insomnia.Sound sleep on the other hand is the state in which a person is in a very deep sleep. It may also mean having a good, comfortable or peaceful sleep.

Affliction of the eyes – the word ‘affliction’ refers to distress, suffering or a condition of pain. Affliction of the eyes is commonly referred to as ‘sty’, which is basically the inflammation of the eyelids.
Prying of eyes – means being offensively inquisitive. It means invading someone’s privacy.

Thus, the correct answer is Option (C) Short sleep during the day.

Note:
The phrase ‘Forty winks’ may also mean taking a short nap somewhere other than a bed. This particular meaning was emphasized by Carrol Lewis in his book ‘Sylvie and Bruno, in which the protagonist falls asleep on a chair.

Another meaning of this phrase was given by F. Scott Fitzgerald. He wrote in his article called ‘Gretchen’s Forty Winks’, that “forty winks” was ‘the right amount of sleep or just enough sleep, after which everything would be fine’.