go to sleep

Học thuật
Thân thiện
Definition
  1. Verb (intransitive):
    • To begin the process of falling asleep; to prepare for and enter a state of sleep. This phrase describes the transition from being awake to being asleep. It often implies the actions taken just before sleep, such as lying down in bed.
    • To become numb or inactive (figurative, informal). Used to describe a limb that loses sensation, typically due to restricted blood flow.
Usage and Examples

  • Literal Meaning (Preparing for sleep):

    • I need to go to sleep early tonight because I have an important meeting tomorrow.
    • The children finally went to sleep after their bedtime story.
    • She goes to sleep listening to soft music.

  • Figurative Meaning (Limb numbness):

    • My arm went to sleep after I lay on it all night.
    • If you sit in that position too long, your foot might go to sleep.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
  • The phrase often describes an intentional act of ending wakefulness. It is more specific than simply "sleeping," as it focuses on the moment of transition.
  • It can be used in the imperative form as a gentle command: ""
  • In the figurative sense, it is almost always used for body parts. The sensation is temporary and caused by pressure on nerves.
Variants and Related Words
  • Fall asleep: A very close synonym, emphasizing the moment of losing consciousness. ()
  • Go to bed: A related phrase focusing on the action of getting into bed, which usually precedes "going to sleep." It does not necessarily imply that sleep follows immediately. ()
  • Nod off: (Informal) To fall asleep, especially briefly or unintentionally. ()
  • Drift off: To fall asleep gradually. ()
Synonyms
  • Fall asleep
  • Drop off (informal)
  • Drift off
  • Doze off
Antonyms
  • Wake up
  • Get up
  • Stay awake
Related Phrasal Verbs / Idioms
  • Put someone to sleep:
    • To cause someone to fall asleep, often a child. (The lullaby put the baby to sleep.)
    • (Euphemistic) To euthanize an animal. (We had to put our old dog to sleep.)
  • Sleep on it: To delay making a decision until the next day after a period of sleep. ()
Verb
  1. prepare for sleep
    • I usually turn in at midnight
    • He goes to bed at the crack of dawn