PhrasesHub

Fast asleep

    Definitions

      • deeply asleep
        To describe someone who is in a deep and peaceful sleep, often used in a positive context

      • unaware or oblivious
        To describe someone who is completely unaware or oblivious to something happening around them, often used in a negative context

    Examples of Fast asleep

    • After a long day of exploring the city, Sarah collapsed onto her bed and fell fast asleep.

      In this example, the idiom "fast asleep" is used to describe a state of deep sleep, implying that the person falls into a deep and unconscious sleep quickly.

    • The baby was fast asleep in her crib, her tiny chest rising and falling with each breath.

      Here, the idiom "fast asleep" is used to describe a state of deep sleep in which the person or the infant is completely unaware of their surroundings, as indicated by the stillness and deep breathing.

    • The thief crept into the house, being mindful not to wake the homeowner, who was fast asleep in their bedroom.

      In this example, the idiom "fast asleep" is used to express the state of deep sleep in which the person is entirely unconscious and can't be disturbed easily.

    • As I woke up and turned to check the time on the clock, I saw my partner sleeping peacefully, fast asleep with a contented smile.

      Here, the idiom "fast asleep" is used to denote a state of deep sleep in which the person is undisturbed and completely relaxed, as indicated by the peaceful expression on their face.

    • Emma's mother peeked into her bedroom and saw that Emma was fast asleep in her bed, with her eyes closed and her breathing deep and even.

      In this example, "fast asleep" is being used as a descriptive phrase to convey that Emma is sleeping deeply and soundly. It's sometimes used interchangeably with "sound asleep," but "fast asleep" adds an emphasis on speed and depth of sleep.

    • The baby cried for a long time before finally falling fast asleep in his mother's arms.

      Here, "fast asleep" is used to indicate that the baby fell asleep quickly and deeply after crying. This can be helpful to set a scene, such as in a story or narrative, to show that the baby has finally stopped crying and is now sleeping peacefully.

    • The team had worked tirelessly on the project for weeks, but finally, they could see the light at the end of the tunnel. They all collapsed, fast asleep, in their chairs, exhausted but satisfied.

      In this example, "fast asleep" is used to show that the team members have fallen asleep suddenly and deeply, due to their exhaustion from working hard on the project for a long time. It helps to convey the sense of relief and exhaustion that the team members might be feeling, as well as emphasizing the finality of their success in completing the project.

    • Tom's friend invited him to a party, but Tom had an early morning appointment and needed to get a good night's sleep. He politely declined, saying, "I'm afraid I have to hit the hay early tonight. I'm fast asleep by ten."

      In this example, "fast asleep" is used to indicate that Tom goes to bed early and falls asleep quickly, implying that he is a relatively early riser. It can also be used to emphasize how important sleep is to Tom, as he prioritizes getting a good night's sleep over going to a party. Additionally, it provides a clear explanation to his friend about why he can't go to the party.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "fast asleep" is used to describe someone who is in a deep, peaceful sleep or someone who is completely unaware or oblivious to their surroundings. It can be used in both a positive and negative context, depending on the situation.

    Someone who is fast asleep is sleeping soundly, without any disturbances. This can be seen as a positive thing, as getting a good night's sleep is important for one's health and well-being. It can also be used in a more figurative sense, to describe someone who is deeply immersed in a dream or fantasy.

    On the other hand, being fast asleep can also have negative connotations. It can be used to describe someone who is unaware or oblivious to something happening around them, often in a negative or dangerous situation. This can imply that the person is not paying attention or is not taking the situation seriously.

    Origin of "Fast asleep"

    The origin of the idiom "fast asleep" is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in the 14th century. The word "fast" in this context means "firmly fixed or established," suggesting that someone who is fast asleep is deeply and firmly rooted in their sleep.

    The use of the word "fast" in this context can also be traced back to Old English, where it was used to describe something that was tightly bound or secured. This could also be seen as a reference to someone who is fast asleep being deeply and securely in the state of sleep.

    In addition, the word "fast" can also be used to describe something that is happening quickly or rapidly. This could be another possible origin of the idiom, as when someone is fast asleep, they are quickly and deeply immersed in their sleep. Overall, the origins of the idiom "fast asleep" suggest a deep and secure state of sleep, which is still reflected in its modern usage.