sleep on it
To delay a decision until the next day
Literally: To rest your body on top of a specific idea or decision while sleeping.
Use `sleep on it` when you need more time to make a thoughtful, important decision.
In 15 Seconds
- Delay a big decision until the next morning.
- Give your brain time to process things while you rest.
- A polite way to ask for more time to think.
Meaning
When you have a big decision to make, you wait until the next day to decide. It means you want to get a good night's rest first.
Key Examples
3 of 6Buying an expensive laptop
It is a lot of money, so I think I will sleep on it before buying.
It is a lot of money, so I will wait until tomorrow to decide.
Receiving a job offer
Thank you for the offer; may I sleep on it and call you tomorrow?
Thank you; can I decide tomorrow morning?
A friend asking for a big favor
I am not sure if I can help move house, let me sleep on it.
I don't know yet, I will tell you tomorrow.
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects a Western belief that sleep provides mental clarity and emotional stability. It became widely popular in the 20th century as a common piece of advice in both business and personal life. It suggests that your brain continues to process complex problems even while you are unconscious.
The 'It' is Mandatory
Never just say 'I will sleep on.' You must always include 'it' at the end. The 'it' represents the decision you are making.
Don't use for emergencies
If someone asks for help in an emergency, saying you'll 'sleep on it' sounds very sarcastic or cold. Use it only for non-urgent choices.
In 15 Seconds
- Delay a big decision until the next morning.
- Give your brain time to process things while you rest.
- A polite way to ask for more time to think.
What It Means
Sleep on it is about giving your brain a break. You have a tough choice to make right now. Instead of rushing, you wait until tomorrow morning. You hope your subconscious mind helps you decide while you dream. It is like putting a problem in a slow cooker overnight.
How To Use It
You usually use this as a verb phrase. You can say, "I need to sleep on it." You can also suggest it to a friend. Tell them, "Why don't you sleep on it?" It is very flexible. You do not need to change the words much. Just keep it as a single unit of meaning.
When To Use It
Use this for big life choices. Use it when buying a car or a house. Use it when a friend asks you to go on a trip. It is perfect for business deals too. If a boss offers you a new job, ask to sleep on it. It shows you are being thoughtful, not lazy.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for tiny, fast decisions. If a waiter asks if you want fries, do not say you need to sleep on it. That would be very weird and funny. Also, do not use it if the deadline is tonight. If the fire alarm goes off, please do not sleep on it!
Cultural Background
English speakers value "thinking things over." We believe rest brings clarity. There is an old idea that the morning is wiser than the evening. In the US and UK, rushing a big decision can look impulsive. Sleep on it is a polite way to say "no" for now without being rude.
Common Variations
You might hear people say "take a night to think." Some people say they will "give it some thought overnight." However, sleep on it is the most common idiom. It sounds natural and friendly in almost any situation. It is a classic English expression that everyone knows.
Usage Notes
This idiom is safe for almost any situation. It sits right in the middle of the formality scale. Just remember it is an intransitive-style phrase—you don't 'sleep on a problem,' you just 'sleep on it.'
The 'It' is Mandatory
Never just say 'I will sleep on.' You must always include 'it' at the end. The 'it' represents the decision you are making.
Don't use for emergencies
If someone asks for help in an emergency, saying you'll 'sleep on it' sounds very sarcastic or cold. Use it only for non-urgent choices.
A Polite 'No'
In English culture, people often use this phrase when they actually want to say 'no' but don't want to be mean. It buys them time to think of a nice way to refuse.
Examples
6It is a lot of money, so I think I will sleep on it before buying.
It is a lot of money, so I will wait until tomorrow to decide.
Shows financial responsibility.
Thank you for the offer; may I sleep on it and call you tomorrow?
Thank you; can I decide tomorrow morning?
Very professional way to ask for time.
I am not sure if I can help move house, let me sleep on it.
I don't know yet, I will tell you tomorrow.
A soft way to delay a commitment.
The flights are pricey! Let's sleep on it tonight.
The flights are expensive, let's decide tomorrow.
Common in text for shared decisions.
I like 'Buster,' but let's sleep on it to be sure.
I like the name, but let's wait until tomorrow.
Used for creative choices.
I'm too upset to talk now, I need to sleep on it.
I am too emotional, I will think about this tomorrow.
Used to prevent saying something mean while angry.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct phrase to complete the sentence.
That is a huge career change. You should ___ before you quit your job.
We use `sleep on it` because quitting a job is a major decision that requires time to think.
Select the best response.
Person A: 'Do you want to buy this car today?' Person B: '___'
The phrase is always `sleep on it`. You cannot remove the 'on' or the 'it'.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Sleep on it'
Talking to your siblings or best friends.
Let me sleep on it, dude.
Standard everyday use with most people.
I'd like to sleep on it before I sign.
Professional settings, though still acceptable.
I shall sleep on the matter and respond.
When to Sleep on It
Job Offers
Salary negotiations
Large Purchases
Buying a house
Relationships
Moving in together
Travel
Booking a world tour
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsUsually, yes. It implies waiting until the next morning. However, you can use it if you just mean 'I need a long break before deciding.'
You can, but it is much less common. Most native speakers will always use the fixed phrase sleep on it.
Yes, it is very professional. It shows you are not making an impulsive choice. For example: I'd like to sleep on it before we finalize the contract.
They are similar, but sleep on it specifically means you will wait until tomorrow. Think about it could mean you'll decide in five minutes.
Only if you are being funny. If you say it about a sandwich, people will think you are joking about being very indecisive.
No, that is a common mistake. The preposition must be on. Sleep over means staying at a friend's house for the night.
Yes! You can say, I slept on it, and I've decided to accept the offer. It works perfectly in the past tense.
Yes, it is used in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. It is a very universal English idiom.
Not at all. In fact, it often sounds wise. It shows you want to be 100% sure before you commit to something.
That's fine! Even if you stay awake all night thinking, you can still say you slept on it as long as you waited until the next day.
Related Phrases
mull it over
To think about something deeply for a period of time.
take a rain check
To decline an offer now but suggest doing it later.
overnight success
Something that becomes successful very quickly (related to the 'night' theme).
weigh the pros and cons
To compare the good and bad points of a decision.
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