slept like a log

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slept like a log" is a very common idiom used in written English to indicate that someone had a very deep and restful sleep.
For example: "After the long hike, I was so exhausted that I slept like a log all night long."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

I slept like a log.

The New York Times - Travel

If your husband rolls over to you in bed in the morning and tells you that you slept like a log, it's unlikely to have the same effect.

Harvard Business Review

I slept like a log, but having the backup room meant that I had a nice warm place to shower in the morning.

The New York Times

Then again, I slept like a log, stretched out on a king-size bed, and when I woke up and scurried to the breakfast room, I found a generous spread including make-your-own waffles.

The Washington Post

The exercise and the simple food and frugality of this enterprise made me feel smugger than when I had been living like a millionaire, and in that gloating mood I slept like a log in my tent.

The New York Times - Magazine

Every night during this experiment I slept like a log.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

How many hours sleep would I get before being woken by the alarm?" Mr Johnson: "I don't care… I slept like a log… We're waiting for some more sensible questions".

BBC

Nothing, usually sleep like a log.

The Guardian

And I always sleep like a log!

The Guardian - Money

(I don't wake her. I sleep like a log).

The Guardian - Books

The other twin, Natalie, sleeps like a log.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slept like a log" to vividly describe a state of deep, undisturbed sleep, implying complete rest and relaxation.

Common error

Avoid using "slept like a log" when you actually experienced restless or light sleep; this idiom suggests the opposite, a profound and uninterrupted slumber.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slept like a log" functions as a simile, comparing the state of sleep to the immobility and stillness of a log. It serves to emphasize the depth and uninterrupted nature of the sleep. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is commonly used to describe a very restful sleep.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

7%

The Guardian - Books

4%

Less common in

The New York Times - Travel

1%

The New York Times - Magazine

1%

The New York Times - Style

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slept like a log" is an idiom used to describe a very deep and restful sleep. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news and media. While versatile, this simile is best suited for neutral to informal settings, vividly conveying the feeling of sound sleep. For more formal contexts, alternatives like "slept soundly" may be preferable. To avoid misuse, ensure you only apply the phrase to scenarios where you actually experienced a deep and undisturbed slumber.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slept soundly

Focuses on the quality of sleep rather than comparing it to an object.

slept deeply

Emphasizes the depth of sleep.

slept peacefully

Highlights the tranquility of the sleep.

was fast asleep

Indicates quickly falling into a deep sleep.

was in a deep slumber

Uses a more formal term for sleep and emphasizes its intensity.

dozed off immediately

Highlights the speed of falling asleep.

was out like a light

Emphasizes a sudden and complete loss of consciousness.

slept without stirring

Indicates an undisturbed sleep without movement.

slept the sleep of the dead

A more dramatic expression indicating a very deep sleep.

drifted off into oblivion

A poetic way of describing falling into a profound sleep.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone "slept like a log"?

Saying someone "slept like a log" means they had a very deep, restful, and undisturbed sleep. It implies they didn't move or wake up during the night.

What are some alternatives to "slept like a log"?

You can use alternatives like "slept soundly", "slept deeply", or "was fast asleep" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "slept like a log"?

Yes, "slept like a log" is a grammatically correct and commonly used idiom in English to describe a deep sleep.

Can "slept like a log" be used in formal writing?

While "slept like a log" is widely understood, it's generally more appropriate for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider more descriptive alternatives such as "slept soundly" or "was in a deep slumber".