lie down

To move your body into a flat resting position on a bed, floor, or similar surface.

• Lie down and rest.
• He lay down on the grass.
• I have been lying down because my back hurts.

How to use it: lie down on something (He lay down on the sofa.); lie down to do something (She lay down to rest.)

Similar words: recline

Opposites: get up

Common phrases: lie down here, lie down flat, lie down quietly

To accept bad treatment or defeat without trying to resist.

• We will not lie down and take this.
• She refused to lie down when the company threatened her.
• Do they expect us to lie down and accept defeat?

How to use it: lie down and take something (We will not lie down and take these unfair cuts.)

Similar words: submit, give in, surrender

Opposites: resist

Common phrases: lie down quietly, lie down tamely

A command telling a dog working with farm animals to lower its body and stay still.

• Lie down, Meg!
• The shepherd called, “Lie down!” to stop the dog moving the sheep.
• When I say “lie down,” the collie drops onto the grass.

Similar words: down

Common phrases: lie down now, lie down dog, lie down here

To fail to do your work properly because you are lazy or careless.

• He tends to lie down on the job.
• Two workers were lying down on the job while everyone else was busy.
• If you lie down on the job, customers will complain.

How to use it: lie down on the job (The team cannot afford to lie down on the job.)

Similar words: slack off, shirk

Common phrases: lie down again, lie down constantly