lie-down
Americannoun
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a nap.
verb
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to place oneself or be in a prostrate position in order to rest or sleep
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to accept without protest or opposition (esp in the phrases lie down under, take something lying down )
noun
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a rest
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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]
Etymology
Origin of lie-down
First recorded in 1830–40; noun use of verb phrase lie down
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A favorite practice of her British mother, the lie-down is just what it sounds like: a short stint off one’s feet.
From New York Times • Feb. 17, 2024
The Cardinals took their own wide-body jet, complete with 28 lie-down seats, to a game for the first time and might’ve gotten too comfortable on the way to the Motor City.
From Seattle Times • Dec. 19, 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
Those who have not the price—and God knows they are many—homeless and weary, "about ready to die," sleep in hallways, empty trucks, any place for a lie-down.
From Dave Ranney by Ranney, Dave
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.