at rest
Idioms-
In a state of inactivity or repose, either physical or mental. For example, The doctor's clear explanation put her mind at rest . Chaucer used this idiom in Troilus and Cressida (c. 1374): “I mine heart set at rest upon this point.” Also see lay at rest .
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Dead, as in His soul is now at rest with his forebears . This usage, employing rest to refer to death's repose, is less common today. [1300s]
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“Whether you’re out and about or at rest, please don’t put your smartphones down.”
From Barron's ● Apr. 30, 2026
New research suggests that memory problems in Alzheimer's disease may be linked to a failure in how the brain replays recent experiences while at rest.
From Science Daily ● Feb. 1, 2026
On past bike tours, we often cut discussions short with strangers who approached us at rest stops.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 8, 2025
"We can keep on top of it and if anything changes we know straight away. It puts my mind at rest a bit," Lily said.
From BBC ● Oct. 4, 2024
The Bundimun at rest resembles a patch of greenish fungus with eyes, though when alarmed it will scuttle away on its numerous spindly legs.
From "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" by J.K. Rowling
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
