Phrase Finder

Sleep with

What's the meaning of the phrase 'Sleep with'?

Euphemism for ‘have sexual intercourse with’.

What's the origin of the phrase 'Sleep with'?

‘Sleep with’ is a classic euphemism in that it efficiently conceals the true meaning of what is being spoken about to everyone apart from those who already know its meaning. I’m not able to locate the origin of the expression as there are few examples of it in print other than those that are quite recent. I suspect that the phrase wasn’t used before the 20th century.

What we do know is that, when an amorous couple decide to ‘sleep together’, sleep is the last thing on their minds.

The history of “Sleep with” in printed materials

Trend of sleep with in printed material over time

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About the Author

Gary Martin is a writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.
Sleep with

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