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.
At rest, they might be able to breathe normally, he explained, but when they exert themselves - through exercise, for example - their lungs "can no longer keep up".
From BBC • Dec. 19, 2025
At rest, with its wings folded, the bug is a dull tan-gray color with black spots.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 13, 2024
At rest, the handle was perpendicular to the wall of the chamber and was 4 cm above the floor.
From Nature • Mar. 28, 2017
At rest, the respiratory system performs its functions at a constant, rhythmic pace, as regulated by the respiratory centers of the brain.
From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013
And they came for the buried king that lay At rest in that ancient fane; For he must be armed on the battle day, With them to deliver Spain!—
From The Two Admirals by Cooper, James Fenimore
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.
