rest cure

noun

1. a treatment for nervous disorders, consisting of a complete rest, usually combined with systematic diet, massage, etc., especially at a spa or sanitorium.

rest-cure

noun

1. a rest taken as part of a course of medical treatment, as for stress, anxiety, etc

2. an easy undemanding time or assignment: usually used with a negative

   it's no rest-cure, I can assure you

Word History and Origins

Origin of rest-cure¹

First recorded in 1885–90