The idiom "hit the sack" has its origin in the association of a "sack" with a bed or a sleeping place, dating back to the early 20th century. It refers to the action of going to bed or preparing to sleep, emphasizing the idea that one is physically hitting or getting into their bed or sleeping arrangement. The expression is now commonly used to indicate the act of going to sleep or getting some rest.

What is the origin of the idiom "hit the sack" and when to use it?

to [hit] the sack

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The idiom "not sleep a wink" originates from the idea that sleep typically involves a series of eye movements under closed eyelids. When someone does not sleep a wink, it implies that they have been completely awake throughout the night without experiencing even the slightest bit of sleep. This expression has been used since the early 17th century and has become a common way to describe a night of restless or sleepless activity.

What is the origin of the idiom "not sleep a wink" and when to use it?

to {not} [sleep] a wink

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The origin of the idiom "sleep like a baby" is believed to be a relatively recent one, originating in the 20th century. The expression conveys the idea of sound, undisturbed sleep by likening it to the peaceful slumber of an infant. On the other hand, "sleep like a log" has older origins, dating back to the 17th century. This idiom likens restful sleep to the motionlessness of a log, emphasizing the deep and uninterrupted nature of the slumber. This idioms is used to reflect on the universal desire for peaceful and undisturbed sleep, and they have been used for centuries to describe the quality of one's rest.

What is the origin of the idiom "sleep like a baby" and when to use it?

to [sleep] like a (baby|log)

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The idiom "toss and turn" originates from the physical actions of tossing one's body from one side to another while trying to find a comfortable sleeping position. It signifies a state of restlessness or discomfort, especially during the night when one is unable to find a restful position and keeps shifting in bed. The expression has been used for centuries to describe sleeplessness, anxiety, or unease that prevents a person from having a peaceful and undisturbed sleep.

What is the origin of the idiom "toss and turn" and when to use it?

to [toss] and [turn]

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The idiom "catch some Z's" is derived from the practice of representing sleep with the letter "Z" in comic strips and cartoons, dating back to the early 20th century. The letter "Z" resembles the visual representation of someone asleep, complete with the Z-shapes rising from their slumbering form. It is often employed to express the need for rest or relaxation, whether it's to combat tiredness, recover from a long day, or rejuvenate oneself.

What is the origin of the idiom "catch some Z's" and when to use it?

to [catch|get|cop] some Z's

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The idiom "down for the count" originally comes from the sport of boxing, where it was used to describe a fighter who had been knocked down by their opponent and was temporarily unable to continue the match. In boxing, the referee would count to ten, and if the downed fighter didn't rise before the count of ten, they were declared the loser. Over time, the phrase has been extended to describe someone who is temporarily incapacitated, exhausted, or overwhelmed, particularly in the context of sleep or fatigue.

What is the origin of the idiom "down for the count" and when to use it?

down for the count

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The idiom "forty winks" is believed to have originated from the practice of taking a brief, refreshing nap or short sleep during the day. The idea of "forty winks" suggests a short, light slumber that is usually not long enough to be a full sleep cycle but long enough to provide a quick rejuvenation. The phrase has been in use since the 19th century to describe the act of taking a short nap, often to restore one's energy and alertness.

What is the origin of the idiom "forty winks" and when to use it?

forty winks

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The idiom "pound one's ear" has its origin in the idea that when someone is sleeping soundly and peacefully, their head might be resting heavily on the pillow or mattress, creating the imagery of their ear being pressed down or "pounded" against it. The expression has been used to convey the idea of a peaceful rest, particularly when someone is enjoying a peaceful night's sleep.

What is the origin of the idiom "pound one's ear" and when to use it?

to [pound] {one's} [ear]

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The idiom "hit the hay" has its origin in the practice of using hay as a common and simple material for making mattresses or bedding in rural areas during the 19th century. The expression captures the idea of going to sleep, often after a day of work or exhaustion, and resting on a bed made of hay. Over time, the phrase has been widely adopted to signify the act of going to sleep or retiring for the night.

What is the origin of the idiom "hit the hay" and when to use it?

to [hit] the hay

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The idiom "early bird" is derived from the well-known proverb "the early bird catches the worm," which dates back to the late 16th century. This expression emphasizes the idea that individuals who wake up and start their activities early are often more successful or efficient in achieving their goals. "Early bird" specifically refers to a person who wakes up early or begins their day's work ahead of others. Over time, the idiom has been widely used to describe someone who is punctual or proactive in starting their daily activities.

What is the origin of the idiom "early bird" and when to use it?

early bird

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The idiom "rise and shine" encourages individuals to wake up and start their day with energy and enthusiasm. It has its origin in the idea that when people awaken from their slumber and face the morning light, they should rise from their beds and embrace the new day with a positive and lively attitude. The expression is used to reflect the belief that beginning the day with an optimistic and active mindset can lead to a more productive and fulfilling day ahead.

What is the origin of the idiom "rise and shine" and when to use it?

rise and shine

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The idiom "night owl" originates from the behavior of owls, which are nocturnal birds and are most active during the nighttime. The term "night owl" has been in use since the early 17th century and is used to describe individuals who are naturally inclined to be more active and alert during the late evening and nighttime hours, similar to the behavior of owls.

What is the origin of the idiom "night owl" and when to use it?

night owl

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The idiom "in the land of the living" in the context of someone being completely awake and conscious does not have a specific origin. It is a figurative expression that highlights the state of being fully alert and aware, as opposed to being asleep or in a dream-like state. It is used to describe someone who is fully awake and conscious.

What is the origin of the idiom "in the land of the living" and when to use it?

in the land of the living

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The idiom "out like a light" originates from the imagery of a sudden and deep state of unconsciousness or sleep, where an individual falls asleep or loses consciousness very quickly, just as if a light were turned off. It is often used to describe someone who becomes completely relaxed or falls asleep so rapidly that there is no resistance or struggle. The expression has been used since the early 20th century to describe the swiftness and completeness with which someone enters a deep sleep or unconscious state.

What is the origin of the idiom "out like a light" and when to use it?

out like a light

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The idiom "sleep like a log" is derived from the concept that when someone is in a deep and restful slumber, they do not move or stir much during the night, much like a log lying still. The expression has been used for centuries to describe the quality of a peaceful and uninterrupted night's sleep.

What is the origin of the idiom "sleep like a log" and when to use it?

to [sleep] like a log

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Discover how English idioms like "hit the sack" and "forty winks" relate to sleep in English.

English Idioms for "Sleep"