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lay one's head

An idiomatic phrase meaning to go to sleep or find somewhere to sleep for the night.

ˈleɪ ˈwʌnz ˈhɛd104 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
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#1·Apr 28, 2026

An idiomatic phrase meaning to go to sleep or find somewhere to sleep for the night. It has a slightly poetic or old-fashioned ring — you'd use it when describing finally getting to bed after a long day, or when searching for a place to stay. It shows up in both casual conversation and more literary contexts. Saying 'I need to lay my head' has a tired, weary vibe — the body demanding rest before the brain gets a vote.

Origin: From the biblical and literary tradition of 'laying one's head' as a metaphor for resting or finding shelter, as in the phrase 'no place to lay one's head' from the New Testament. Editorial expansion authored on Slangora.
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#2·Apr 27, 2026

(slang, idiomatic) To go to bed.

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