Meaning of the word "six hours' sleep for a man, seven for a woman, and eight for a fool" in English
What does "six hours' sleep for a man, seven for a woman, and eight for a fool" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.
six hours' sleep for a man, seven for a woman, and eight for a fool
US /sɪks ˈaʊərz sliːp fɔːr ə mæn, ˈsɛvən fɔːr ə ˈwʊmən, ænd eɪt fɔːr ə fuːl/
UK /sɪks ˈaʊəz sliːp fɔːr ə mæn, ˈsɛvən fɔːr ə ˈwʊmən, ənd eɪt fɔːr ə fuːl/
Phrase
A traditional proverb suggesting that men need the least sleep, women slightly more, and only the lazy or foolish require eight hours or more.
Example:
•
My grandfather used to say, 'six hours' sleep for a man, seven for a woman, and eight for a fool,' to justify waking up at dawn.
•
Napoleon Bonaparte is often credited with the saying: six hours' sleep for a man, seven for a woman, and eight for a fool.