sleep on both ears

USAGE SUMMARY

"sleep on both ears" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is an idiom which means to sleep deeply and soundly. For example, "After studying for hours, he finally went to bed and slept on both ears."

✓ Grammatically correct

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News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Our people will curse and pull the blankets up to cover their ears and sleep on".

The New York Times

The incisions were 2 mm in size on both ears.

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology

Alexander Sr .clasps his hands on both ears to demonstrate.

The New York Times - Sports

Tyson, again behind, bites Holyfield on both ears, forcing the referee, Mills Lane, to call a halt.

The Guardian - Sport

Local anaesthetic cream was applied on both ears 45 min before catheterization of the ear vein and artery.

BMC Veterinary Research

Age was significantly correlated with hearing loss on both ears (R = 0.75, p < 0.001).

Ear and Hearing

Tympanometric evaluation of the middle ear pressure was performed at yearly visits or when needed (MT10, Interacoustics, Denmark) on both ears.

Clinical and Experimental Allergy

In brief, ear-clip electrodes were placed on both ears of the animal while awake, and were connected to an electrical stimulator (unit J18A1; Quanrikang, Beijing, PR China).

Critical Care

The skin around the ear canal should look identical on both ears.

WikiHow

He is great, great fun to watch, a man "capable of making the ball sleep on his ear while he smiles and has a chat to the physio," said AS's chubby, Beatles look-a-like Ladislao Moñino.

The Guardian - Sport

Just snip the string holding it on off of both ears.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sleep on both ears" sparingly and mainly in informal contexts to add a touch of folksiness or humor. In professional or academic writing, prefer more standard expressions like "sleep soundly" or "sleep deeply".

Common error

Avoid literal interpretations. The phrase doesn't refer to a specific sleeping position but rather the quality of sleep. Don't use it in contexts where the physical act of sleeping is the focus, but rather when describing deep, undisturbed rest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sleep on both ears" functions as an idiom, describing a state of deep and undisturbed sleep. While Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, it's important to note the phrase's limited usage in contemporary English.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "sleep on both ears" is grammatically correct according to Ludwig AI, it is an uncommon idiom that describes deep, undisturbed sleep. Given its informal nature and limited usage, as no examples were found, it's best reserved for casual contexts or where a touch of folksiness is desired. In more formal writing, alternatives like "sleep soundly" or "sleep deeply" are generally preferred.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sleep soundly

Focuses on the quality of sleep, emphasizing its peacefulness and lack of disturbance, more generic.

sleep deeply

Highlights the depth of sleep, suggesting a state of profound rest, more generic.

sleep like a log

Uses a simile to describe motionless, heavy sleep, implying a lack of awareness.

be fast asleep

Indicates a state of being already in deep sleep, emphasizing the current condition.

drift off to sleep

Describes the action of gradually falling asleep, rather than the state of deep sleep itself.

be in a deep slumber

Uses a more formal and literary term for sleep, suggesting a prolonged and profound state of rest.

sleep without disturbance

Focuses on the absence of interruptions during sleep, highlighting its undisturbed nature.

get a good night's sleep

Emphasizes the overall quality and restorative nature of the sleep experience.

rest peacefully

Highlights the tranquility and calmness associated with sleep, more generic.

sleep the sleep of the just

Implies that the sleep is earned or deserved due to righteous living, adding a moral dimension.

FAQs

How can I use "sleep on both ears" in a sentence?

While usage examples are limited, you can use "sleep on both ears" to describe someone sleeping very soundly. For example: "After such a long day, I'm sure he'll "sleep soundly" and "sleep on both ears" tonight.

What does "sleep on both ears" actually mean?

The phrase "sleep on both ears" means to sleep very deeply and soundly, without being easily disturbed. It's an idiom suggesting a complete state of rest.

Which is a better alternative to "sleep on both ears", "sleep soundly" or "sleep deeply"?

Sleep soundly and "sleep deeply" are both better alternatives to "sleep on both ears" in formal writing. They convey the same meaning of deep, undisturbed sleep but are more widely recognized and accepted.

Is "sleep on both ears" a common saying?

No, "sleep on both ears" isn't a very common saying. It's more of a folksy or informal expression, and you might not hear it used frequently in everyday conversation or formal writing.