sleep on something
sleep on (something)
To postpone a decision until the following day so that one has additional time to consider it. Why don't you sleep on the offer and let us know your decision in the morning? I'm still not sure if I'm ready to spend that much money. Can I sleep on it?
See also: on, sleep
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
sleep on something
Consider something overnight before deciding, as in I don't know if I want to go on such a long hike; let me sleep on it. This usage was first recorded in 1519 in the state papers of King Henry VIII: "His Grace ... said that he would sleep and dream upon the matter."
See also: on, sleep, something
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
sleep on something, to
To postpone a decision until the next day. Both the idea and the expression are very old. The State Papers of HenryVIII (1519) by an unknown compiler stated, “His Grace . . . sayd thatt he wold slepe and drem upon the matter.”
See also: on, sleep
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
- sleep on (something)
- sleep on it
- carry over to/until (some day or time)
- postpone
- postpone until
- postpone until (some later date or time)
- big sleep
- don't let the bedbugs bite
- got to go home and get my beauty sleep
- (I've) got to go home and get my beauty sleep