toss and turn, to
toss and turn, to - To move about restlessly while in bed. If this alliterative expression were older, it would be redundant, since to toss once also meant to turn over and over. However, it did not surface until the late 1800s, and it is always used for this behavior while one is in bed. J. R. R. Tolkien used it in The Fellowship of the Ring (1954), “He lay tossing and turning and listening fearfully to the stealthy night-noises.”
Related Terms and Expressions
- Burning the midnight oil - Staying up late to work or study.
- Sleepless nights - Nights spent without sleeping, often due to worry or discomfort.
- Restless leg syndrome - A condition that causes an uncontrollable urge to move your legs, usually due to an uncomfortable sensation.
- Catnap - A short, light sleep.
- Insomnia - Persistent problems falling and staying asleep.
Synonyms
- Squirming in bed
- Fidgeting under the sheets
- Restless nights
- Bed-bound wiggling
Antonyms
- Sleeping like a log
- Floating on cloud nine
- Restful slumber
- Sleeping peacefully
Humor-filled Quotes
- “Last night, I lay in bed looking up at the stars in the sky and thought to myself, ‘Where the heck is the ceiling?’” – Anonymous
- “My bed and I are perfect for each other, but my alarm clock keeps trying to break us up.” – Anonymous
Proverbs
- “Better to lean on pillows than to toss and turn on ideals.” – Fictitious Old Proverb
Literary References
- Books: The Sleep Revolution by Arianna Huffington
- Poetry: “To Sleep” by John Keats
- Movies: Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
- Songs: “Tossin’ and Turnin’” by Bobby Lewis
Intriguing and Engaging Titles
- 🔮 “The Midnight Mind Circus: Tossing and Turning Told in Tales”
- 🛏️ “Toss and Turn: The Insomniac’s Tango”
Inspirational Thought-provoking Farewell
Sleep, dear friends, should be a sanctuary, not a battlefield. May you find peace in your pillows and dreams in the clouds. Until the next nocturnal ordeal, rest easy and remember—sometimes the mind’s dance just means there’s a new rhythm to discover. 🌙✨
### Which of these activities describe 'toss and turn'?
- [x] Moving about restlessly in bed
- [ ] Dancing to loud music
- [ ] Cooking a midnight snack
- [ ] Practicing yoga
> **Explanation:** "Toss and turn" specifically refers to moving about restlessly in bed, rather than doing any physical or culinary activities.
### Which idiom is similar to 'toss and turn'?
- [ ] Falling into a deep sleep
- [x] Burning the midnight oil
- [ ] Having sweet dreams
- [ ] Counting sheep
> **Explanation:** "Burning the midnight oil" is similar to "toss and turn" as both relate to being unable to sleep, although "burning the midnight oil" refers more to staying awake intentionally.
### True or False: "Toss and Turn" implies a restful night.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** False. "Toss and turn" implies a restless and sleepless night, quite the opposite of restful slumber.
### What does the idiom 'toss and turn' mean in Tolkien's usage?
- [ ] Eating while sleeping
- [ ] Sleep talking
- [ ] Sleeping soundly
- [x] Moving restlessly in bed
> **Explanation:** Tolkien portrays "toss and turn" as moving restlessly in bed, unable to find peace or sleep.
