Idiom of the day today, presented by one of our fabulous English teachers, Richard, is sleep on it.
Watch the following video for Richard’s simple explanation and example of this common English expression then scroll down for another example of how you might use it yourself.
Watch on You Tube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCBo4TDNQX0
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Video Transcript
To sleep on it. To sleep on it means that you need a night to make a decision about something.
For example: You may have been offered a job or you may have been offered an invitation to a party and you are not sure if you want to go or not; you may need one night to decide.
So when somebody says, “Can I sleep on it?” they mean, can I have one evening to make my decision and I’ll tell you tomorrow morning.
For example: Do you want to come to the party? (Erm) I’m not sure, can I sleep on it and I’ll get back to you tomorrow?
So, if you’d like to use this expression, sleep on it and think about a way that you can.
Another Example
As Richards explains, to sleep on it means to take a night to think about something before making your final decision. But it’s also worth noting that you can use the expression less literally, for example:
You don’t have to decide right now. Sleep on it and give me you answer when I see you next week.
In this example, sleep on it is used figuratively to mean take some time (as opposed to just one night) to think about it before giving your final decision.
Richard is such a natural!
Indeed he is, Sandy. Look out for more videos from Richard soon.
Always sounding very practical!