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

My friend Cusi introduced me to the “lie-down,” a mode of relaxation that, at least in terms of branding, comes off as a bit more respectable.

From New York Times

A favorite practice of her British mother, the lie-down is just what it sounds like: a short stint off one’s feet.

From New York Times

Cusi’s mom endorsed a lie-down whenever one had been on their feet too long, or the world had become too much.

From New York Times

One does not change out of one’s street clothes for a lie-down.

From New York Times

A lie-down could involve reading or snoozing or just contemplating the world outside the window.

From New York Times

Related Words

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