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

I really enjoyed seeing Dyche put centre-half Michael Keane up as a makeshift centre-forward to mix things up against Fulham, and his Everton team never lie down, which is why I think they will get something out of this game too.

From BBC

The complaint alleged prisoners at Gib Lewis were being held in containment cages without the ability to lie down fully or access bathrooms.

From Slate

Even if the floors had not been littered with other prisoners’ feces or cartons filled with urine, there was no room to lie down.

From Slate

Edward Leigh, MP for Gainsborough in Lincolnshire, told the Commons he would "lie down on the line" to stop the train if it failed to stop at Market Rasen - in his constituency.

From BBC

Soon she became so exhausted she couldn’t shower without needing to lie down and sleep afterward.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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