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 drinks water once a day. The food is insufficient. Mom said that there was not enough room for everybody to sit or lie down at the same time.”

From Los Angeles Times

For example, Watson said, a big dog might pace or circle for a while to lie down because it hurts so much to get down.

From Los Angeles Times

Eli had been lying down for hours in his stall yesterday in Trabuco Canyon, unable to stand and suffering from painful colic that would have been fatal if he remained down too long.

From Los Angeles Times

The hit, he says, is far stronger than any cigarette, and often he and his friends will lie down before they put the pouch in place, hidden under their lips.

From BBC

“The other day I got a bit dizzy during a play. I had to lie down on the ground because I was dizzy. Playing in this temperature is very dangerous.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• calm 
• loosen up www.thesaurus.com
• recline 
• sit back 
• soften 
• unwind