sleeper
word
Definition
A 'sleeper' can mean a person who is sleeping, a train car with beds, a hidden railway beam, or something that becomes popular or successful unexpectedly.
Usage & Nuances
Used in railways ('railway sleeper'), for train compartments ('sleeper car/coach'), and figuratively ('sleeper hit', 'sleeper agent'). In sports or movies, a 'sleeper' is something or someone unexpectedly successful. Not commonly used for 'sleeping person' except in compound phrases.
Example Sentences
There’s always a sleeper team that surprises everyone in the tournament.
natural
The movie turned out to be a sleeper hit.
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She booked a sleeper on the overnight train.
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Railroad workers replaced an old sleeper under the tracks.
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Nobody expected the small indie game to become a huge sleeper.
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He’s a light sleeper and wakes up easily at any noise.
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