Definition

Verb: 1. To recline or rest in a horizontal position: To move your body from a sitting or standing position into one where your back is supported, typically on a bed, sofa, or the floor. 2. To submit or yield without resistance: To accept a situation, often one involving criticism or defeat, without fighting back.

Usage

The verb "lie down" is used to describe the action of placing oneself in a resting, horizontal position. It is an intransitive phrasal verb, meaning it does not take a direct object. It is often followed by a prepositional phrase (e.g., on the bed, for a while).

Examples

• Basic Usage:

  • I need to lie down for a few minutes; I have a headache.
  • The doctor told him to lie down and rest.
  • The cat likes to lie down in the sun.

• Figurative Usage (to yield):

  • He refused to lie down and accept the unfair decision.
  • The team is not a group to lie down easily; they will fight until the end.

Advanced Usage

• "to lie down on the job": To neglect one's work or duties; to be lazy or not diligent.
  • The manager warned the staff that anyone caught lying down on the job would be fired.

Variants and Related Words

• Lie (verb): The base verb, meaning to be in or assume a horizontal position. ("")
• Lay (verb): A transitive verb meaning to put or place something down. It is often confused with "lie." ("")

Synonyms

• Recline: To lean or lie back in a relaxed position.
• Rest: To cease work or movement in order to relax.
• Submit: To accept or yield to a superior force or authority (for the figurative sense).

Phrasal Verbs

• Lie down is itself a phrasal verb. It does not have further common phrasal verb combinations.

Related Idioms

• Take something lying down: To accept something unpleasant, such as an insult or defeat, without protest or resistance. This idiom is closely related to the figurative sense of "lie down."
  • She is a fighter; she won't take such criticism lying down.

Verb

1. assume a reclining position
   • lie down on the bed until you feel better