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• lie-down
  lie-down

  noun

  a nap.
• lie down
  lie down

  verb

  to place oneself or be in a prostrate position in order to rest or sleep

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

Experts say that, in these situations, it is best to lie down and play dead.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026

"Our family would lie down and look at various places on the Moon that he would identify based on his mapping and his study guides," she said.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

The urge to lie down for a soak, even in winter, is hard to resist.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 5, 2026

Hundreds of people are currently camping down in the classrooms using a traditional wrap cloth as bedding on which to lie down.

From BBC • Jan. 25, 2026

“Bunny’s grandma. She has to lie down after she eats. We’ll come up later.”

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt

Related Words

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