lie-down

American  

[lahy-doun] / ˈlaɪˌdaʊn /

noun

Chiefly British.

1. a nap.

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lie down British  

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 )

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noun

1. a rest

lie down Idioms  

1. 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]

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Etymology

Origin of lie-down

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

Example Sentences

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

From New York Times • Feb. 17, 2024

The Cardinals took their own wide-body jet, complete with 28 lie-down seats, to a game for the first time and might’ve gotten too comfortable on the way to the Motor City.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 19, 2021

When she went upstairs to have a lie-down, it wasn't long before she was woken up by the huge racket coming from downstairs.

From BBC • Jul. 12, 2020

Today I thought I’d just take a lie-down, and drift.

From The New Yorker • Dec. 25, 2019

"May we see the horses, Mike—are they having their lie-down, or anything?"

From Thoroughbreds by Fraser, William Alexander

Related Words

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