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Idiom

have a kip

idiom (verb phrase) B2
/hæv ə kɪp/

Meanings

idiom (verb phrase)

To take a short sleep or nap.

have a kip: To take a short sleep or nap.

Definition

To have a kip means to take a short sleep, usually a nap.

If you have a kip, you sleep for a short time, often during the day. It is a very common, informal expression in British English. People use it when they mean a quick rest rather than a full night’s sleep.

Examples

  • I’m going to have a kip after lunch.
  • He had a kip on the train and missed his stop.
  • If you’re tired, have a kip before we go out.
  • She had a kip on the sofa while the baby slept.

Common mistake

Learners often use it in formal writing, but have a kip is informal and mainly British English.