Jump to:

• lie-down
  lie-down

  noun

  a nap.
• lie down
  lie down

  verb

  to place oneself or be in a prostrate position in order to rest or sleep

lie-down

American  

[lahy-doun] / ˈlaɪˌdaʊn /

noun

Chiefly British.

1. a nap.

---

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 )

---

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]

---

Etymology

Origin of lie-down

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

Example Sentences

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

From New York Times • Feb. 17, 2024

Soup leads helpfully to an afternoon lie-down or an early bed, both of which seem like better ideas now than ever before.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 14, 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

Those who have not the price—and God knows they are many—homeless and weary, "about ready to die," sleep in hallways, empty trucks, any place for a lie-down.

From Dave Ranney by Ranney, Dave

Related Words

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