PhrasesHub

Sleep on a clothesline

    Definitions

      • to describe a very uncomfortable sleeping position
        to convey the idea of extreme discomfort or unease, often in a humorous or exaggerated manner

      • to indicate extreme exhaustion or fatigue
        to express being extremely tired or worn out, often as a result of physical or mental exertion

    Examples of Sleep on a clothesline

    • Despite the lack of sleep, the CEO insisted that the project must be completed by the end of the week. She suggested that her team could sleep on a clothesline if necessary to meet the deadline.

      This idiomatic expression means to be extremely tired or exhausted. It implies that the CEO is facing an urgent and pressing situation that requires the team to work overtime and sacrifice sleep, implying that they may have to sleep in uncomfortable positions or in unusual places if necessary to meet the deadline. The expression is figurative and suggests that the amenities and comforts typically associated with sleep, such as a bed and pillows, may not be available. This exclamation was meant to emphasize the CEO's determination and willingness to go to extreme lengths to ensure the project's success.

    • Jane was so exhausted after the long meeting that her boss suggested she should "sleep on it" before making a decision. However, Jane replied, "Thanks, but I'd prefer to sleep on a clothesline tonight. At least the meeting didn't keep me up all night like that clothesline does in my bedroom!"

      In this context, Jane's reply is a humoristic way of saying that she would rather have a terrible night's sleep because of the clothesline in her room than have to make an important decision on the spot. The use of "sleep on a clothesline" is a hyperbole or exaggerated statement to emphasize the difficulty or discomfort Jane is experiencing, and shows her frustration with the situation.

    • "Looks like we've been working on this project for months and we still haven't made any progress," Tom complained. "Sometimes I feel like we're just 'sleeping on the job'."

      In this example, Tom is using the idiom "sleeping on the job" to mean that he and his team have been unproductive and seem to be wasting time. The use of "sleeping" shows that he is frustrated with the lack of action and progress, and is implying that his team members might as well be sleeping instead of working.

    • "The sales have been 'sleeping' for the past quarter," the CEO announced at the company meeting. "We need to come up with a plan to 'wake them up' before it's too late!"

      In this scenario, the CEO is using the idiom "sleeping" to describe a period of low sales or inactivity in the company. The use of "wake them up" suggests that urgent action needs to be taken to address the situation, as if the company is in a state of hibernation and needs to be stimulated or reinvigorated.

    • After a long night out at the club, Jake said to his friend, "I need to 'sleep on this' for a while. I've got a huge work project due tomorrow and I'm afraid I'm still 'sleeping on the job'!"

      Here, Jake is using the expression "sleeping on this" to mean that he needs time to process and reflect on the night's events before making any decisions. The use of "sleeping" implies that his mind is still clouded from the party and he's not thinking clearly. "Sleeping on the job" is then used as a self-deprecating joke, to express his concerns that he might not be able to meet his work obligations because his hangover is still affecting his performance.

    • The new employee made a lot of mistakes during his first week on the job. His supervisor was frustrated and told him, "You keep messing up like this, and you're going to have to sleep on a clothesline until you figure it out!"

      This is an idiomorphic expression that means to face severe consequences or punishment for continually making mistakes. It implies that sleeping on a clothesline would be an extremely uncomfortable and undesirable experience.

    • The coach benched the starting quarterback due to poor performance during the previous game. He vowed, "If he doesn't play better next week, then he's going to sleep on a clothesline in the locker room!"

      In this situation, "sleep on a clothesline" is used to indicate that the coach is serious about his threat and will punish the player severely for repeated poor performance.

    • The school principal reprimanded a student for sneaking out of dormitory in the middle of the night. She warned, "If I ever hear that you've left the campus after hours again, then you'll have to sleep on a clothesline outside the school gates!"

      This example signifies that the principal would impose an extremely strict punishment if the student repeats the misbehavior. Sleeping on a clothesline is presented as an extreme action to discourage further deviant behavior.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "sleep on a clothesline" can be used in two different ways. One is to describe a very uncomfortable sleeping position, conveying extreme discomfort or unease in a humorous or exaggerated manner. The other is to indicate extreme exhaustion or fatigue, expressing being extremely tired or worn out, often as a result of physical or mental exertion.

    Origin of "Sleep on a clothesline"

    The origin of the idiom "sleep on a clothesline" is not entirely clear, but it likely stems from the idea of trying to sleep on a narrow, uncomfortable surface. Clotheslines are typically thin and not designed for sleeping, so the phrase may have originated as a humorous way to convey extreme discomfort or exhaustion. It is also possible that the idiom has roots in the rural lifestyle, where people may have had to make do with unconventional sleeping arrangements. Regardless of its precise origin, the idiom has become a colorful and vivid way to express feelings of extreme discomfort or exhaustion.

    Examples:

    • After working a double shift, I feel like I could sleep on a clothesline.
    • Trying to sleep in that cramped tent was like sleeping on a clothesline.