lie-down

[ lahy-doun ]

noun

, Chiefly British.

1. a nap.

lie down

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of lie-down¹

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

Idioms and Phrases

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]

Example Sentences

He nods and lies down, a Winnie-the-Pooh blanket pulled up close.

From Los Angeles Times

She had been lying down for a long time, and now she was trying to sit up more and to walk a little, though every movement caused her pain.

From BBC

Brooks: When they both lie down and look at each other, Ariana looks right into camera and Cynthia looks right back into camera at her.

From Los Angeles Times

On the way home, I remember lying down on the back seat of the car, determined to give those little embryos their best chance.

From BBC

Within 10 minutes - before we’d really begun our ascent - I suddenly had to lie down.

From BBC

Related Words

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