lie-in

¹

[lahy-in]

noun

Chiefly British.

1. an act or instance of staying in bed longer than usual, especially in the morning.

lie-in

²

[lahy-in]

noun

1. a protest demonstration in which participants lie down in a public place against regulations and resist being moved.

lie in

verb

1. to remain in bed late in the morning

2. to be confined in childbirth

noun

1. a long stay in bed in the morning

Word History and Origins

Origin of lie-in¹

First recorded in 1865–70; noun use of verb phrase lie in

Origin of lie-in²

First recorded in 1960–65; lie ², -in ³

Idioms and Phrases

Be in confinement for childbirth, as in She thought she'd be lying in by next week . This usage is probably dying out. The name of Boston's Lying-In Hospital was changed to Women's Hospital in the 1970s. [Mid-1400s]

Also, . Rest or depend on something or someone, as in The solution lies in research , or The decision lies in the President's hands , or It does not lie in my power to turn this situation around . [Mid-1300s] Also see lie in wait ; lie through one's teeth .

Example Sentences

"I will miss it but I'm quite looking forward to a lie-in on Saturday morning - and new ventures in the new year."

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Mr James said: "I haven't had a day off in seven months so I'm quite looking forward to the prospect of a lie-in and not having to complete 26 miles tomorrow."

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Some people used the Easter Monday bank holiday as a chance to have a much-needed lie-in.

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Sadly, for those of us who like a lie-in on a Sunday morning, the clock change in spring does mean we get one hour less sleep.

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This is a slight lie-in compared to Australia two weeks ago, I suppose.

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Related Words

• parade 
• protest 
• sit-in 
• strike 
• walkout