rest

noun

UK/rest/
US/rest/

Definitions of rest noun

pause

  1. A2CountableUncountable

    A period of time when you relax, cease any active work, or sleep.

    • After carrying the piano upstairs, they paused to take a rest.

    • The doctor prescribed some medication and advised her to rest for a week.

    • After a long day of hard work, he needed a good rest.

silence

  1. Countablemusicspecialized

    A period of silence in music or a symbol that represents this silence.

    • a quarter rest

    • The sudden rest in the music added a dramatic effect.

    • The sheet music clearly indicates every rest.

support

  1. Countable

    An object used to support the weight of something else.

    • He used a stack of books as a rest for his laptop.

    • The photographer used a tripod as a rest for his camera.

    • This device is designed as a rest for the wrist.

Phrases of rest noun

  • at rest

    Not engaged in any physical activity or movement; in a state of inactivity or repose.

    The study measured heart rates both after exercise and at rest.

  • come to rest

    To stop moving and become still, typically in a specific location.

    After a long flight, the plane finally came to rest on the runway.

  • the rest

    the remaining things, people, or parts that have not been mentioned or used.

    Most employees at the company support the reform, but the rest are taking a wait-and-see approach.

verb

UK/rest/
US/rest/

Definitions of rest verb

pause

  1. B1TransitiveIntransitive

    To stop doing a specific activity or to cease being active for a period in order to relax and recover.

    • The doctor advised him to rest for a few days.

    • He shifted his gaze from the screen to rest his eyes.

    • She vowed not to rest until her son's murderer was captured.

support

  1. TransitiveIntransitiveVerb + adv/prep

    To lie or lean on something or to place something on a surface for support.

    • She rested her head on my shoulder.

    • The bicycle was resting against the wall.

    • He rested his arm on the table.

remain

  1. Intransitiveformal

    To remain in a particular condition or position.

    • We cannot allow the matter to rest here; further action is required.

    • The terms of this agreement must rest unchanged.

    • This issue must rest until the next meeting.

Phrases of rest verb

  • be resting

    refers to an actor currently without employment in acting roles

    The actor has been out of work lately, so he is resting at home.

Idioms

  • (and) all the rest

    Used at the end of a list or phrase to indicate other items or people that are part of the same group but have not been specifically named.

    We need to buy bread, milk, eggs, and all the rest.

  • rest on your laurels

    To be complacent about one's past successes and make no further effort to improve or achieve more.

    Despite winning the competition, he didn't rest on his laurels; instead, he trained even harder.

  • for the rest

    Used to introduce additional information that is less important after the main points have been discussed.

    The atmosphere of the restaurant is great, and as for the rest, the food and service are acceptable.

  • I rest my case

    Used to indicate that one believes a recent event or statement confirms their correctness or truthfulness; signifying that no further explanation or argument is needed.

    When informed of Smith's irate reaction to her statement, she simply responded, "I rest my case."

  • give it a rest

    Used to tell someone to stop talking about or doing something that is annoying.

    I've heard enough of your complaining, give it a rest.

  • rest in peace

    An expression used to convey the hope that someone who has died has found peace.

    She was a kind and loving person, may she rest in peace.

  • let something rest

    To cease discussing or bringing up a particular subject.

    At the meeting, we decided to let the controversial topic rest and address it later.

  • rest easy

    used to reassure someone that they do not need to worry because the situation is under control.

    "You can rest easy now that you've handed the report in," said the manager. "I'll make sure everything gets done on time."

  • the rest is history

    Refers to events that are widely known and have become part of established history.

    They first met at a competition, and the rest is history.

Phrasal Verbs of rest

  • rest up

    to unwind and rejuvenate in preparation for an activity

    Before the competition, he needs to rest up to enhance his performance.

  • rest on/upon something

    When something is founded on a specific idea, belief, or fact, it depends on it for validity or truth.

    This theory rests upon scientific evidence.

  • rest on someone/something

    When surveying an area, if your gaze settles on a specific person or object, it means you are focusing exclusively on that individual or thing.

    During the exam, all eyes rested on the head examiner.

  • rest on/upon someone/something

    to rely on or be contingent upon an individual or factor

    The success of the project often rests upon the cooperation of the team.

  • rest with someone

    When a responsibility or decision lies with someone, they bear the responsibility for it.

    The final decision was authorized to the manager, so all responsibility rests with him.

  • rest with someone/something

    to rely or place dependence on someone or something

    His success will rest with the support of his family.