fall asleep

Idioms  

1. Go to sleep; also, cease paying attention. For example, As soon as the lights were dimmed he fell asleep, or His lectures are so dull that I fall asleep. The literal usage, which uses the verb fall in the sense of “succumb,” dates from about 1300; the figurative is several centuries newer. Also see asleep at the switch.

---

Example Sentences

These shifts make it harder for teens to fall asleep early, even when they are tired.

From Science Daily

During Cabinet meetings, press availabilities in the Oval Office and a recent signing ceremony, he looks like he has fallen asleep.

From Salon

At the hotel: If she heads there first, she tries to get a massage so she can fall asleep for a bit, often since the room might not yet be ready.

From The Wall Street Journal

He has at times appeared to fall asleep in meetings and not be able to hear questions.

From BBC

He also denied falling asleep at recent White House events and said he has always gotten by on little sleep.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• bed down
• doze
• languish
• relax
• snooze