lie-down

American  

[lahy-doun] / ˈlaɪˌdaʊn /

noun

Chiefly British.

1. a nap.

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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 )

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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]

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Etymology

Origin of lie-down

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

Example Sentences

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

Anyone hoping for a lie-down was quickly disappointed, with the starter gun fired immediately on the 100-day plan.

From The Guardian • Jan. 31, 2018

"May we see the horses, Mike—are they having their lie-down, or anything?"

From Thoroughbreds by Fraser, William Alexander

Related Words

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