lie-down

[ lahy-doun ]

noun

, Chiefly British.

1. a nap.

lie down

verb

1. to place oneself or be in a prostrate position in order to rest or sleep
2. to accept without protest or opposition (esp in the phrases lie down under, take something lying down )

noun

1. a rest

Word History and Origins

Origin of lie-down¹

First recorded in 1830–40; noun use of verb phrase lie down

Idioms and Phrases

Also, lie down on the job . Be remiss or lazy. For example, They fired Max because he was always lying down on the job . This expression alludes to lying down in the sense of “resting.” [Early 1900s]

Example Sentences

Within 10 minutes - before we’d really begun our ascent - I suddenly had to lie down.

From BBC

"Too much sitting or lying down can be harmful for heart health, even for those who are active."

From Science Daily

Jurors heard Ms Shotter was lying down, showing "no clear movement" for around half an hour before the defendant approached her.

From BBC

Mamba, a senior pug, wandered around before lying down next to her feet.

From Los Angeles Times

“And when someone threatens them, they are not going to take it lying down. Trying to degrade public lands will put you on the wrong side of history.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• calm
• loosen up
• recline
• sit back
• soften
• unwind