sleep on

Meaning

To fail to appreciate, notice, or give proper attention to something or someone of high value. It is commonly used in discussions about music, movies, sports, or underrated talents to say that people are ignoring something great.

Examples

• Don't sleep on this new indie band; their album is incredible.

  Don't sleep on this new indie band; their album is incredible.

• This local restaurant is totally slept on—the food is amazing and cheap.

  This local restaurant is totally slept on—the food is amazing and cheap.

• People are sleeping on her talent; she's one of the best writers of our generation.

  People are sleeping on her talent; she's one of the best writers of our generation.

• I used to sleep on the benefits of getting eight hours of sleep, but now I get it.

  I used to sleep on the benefits of getting eight hours of sleep, but now I get it.

• Don't sleep on that movie just because it didn't do well at the box office.

  Don't sleep on that movie just because it didn't do well at the box office.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I slept on the floor last night.

  ✓ I slept on the floor last night.

  This is the literal usage of the verb. Do not confuse the literal action of sleeping on a surface with the figurative slang meaning of ignoring something.

• ✗ Everyone is sleeping this artist.

  ✓ Everyone is sleeping on this artist.

  The preposition 'on' is essential to complete the phrasal slang verb meaning 'to ignore'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• This singer is so talented; I don't know why people are still ___ her.

  💡 Ignoring or failing to appreciate her.

  Show answer

  sleeping on

• That bakery has the best croissants in town, but it's totally ___.

  💡 Underrated or ignored by most people (passive voice).

  Show answer

  slept on