rest on (something)
rest on (something)
1. To be placed on or supported by something else, especially gently and temporarily. The television rested precariously upon a wobbly old stool. Sorry, my computer was resting upon some of your papers.
2. To lay or lean something on top of something else, especially gently and temporarily. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "rest" and "on." You can rest the box upon this stack of magazine while I clear some space on the workbench. Here, rest your leg upon this pillow to help the swelling go down.
3. To recline or lie on something as a means of recuperating. Let me know if you need any help, I'm just going to rest upon the sofa for a little while.
4. To rely, depend, or be contingent on someone or something. A peaceful resolution to this conflict rests upon the two countries' leaders engaging in meaningful, productive talks. You can't just rest upon the success of your first novel to remain relevant with readers, you have to always be striving for bigger and better things.
See also: on, rest
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
rest (up)on something
to lie on something; to take it easy on something. (upon is formal and less commonly used than on.) Here, rest upon this mat. I'll just rest on this chair, thanks.
See also: on, rest
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
rest on
v.
1. To place, lay, or lean something on some other thing for support, ease, or repose: She rested the vase on the table.
2. To be supported by or based on something: The flowerpot rests on the shelf.
3. To be contingent upon something or someone; depend on something or someone: Whether or not we have a picnic rests on the weather.
See also: on, rest
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
- rest on
- rest upon (something)
- stool on (one)
- stool on someone
- pat (someone or something) on (something or some place)
- pat on
- dab at
- dab at (something)
- get at
- get at (someone or something)