Learn
Watch & LearnLearning Paths
English for Daily LifeEnglish for Social ConnectionEnglish for WorkVOA English
Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Use four “bed” expressions for difficult experiences, bad moods, responsibility, and finishing work.
VOA source audio
Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcript“No bed of roses” describes a difficult or unpleasant experience. “Get up on the wrong side of the bed” means wake up in an unusually bad mood. “Make your bed and lie in it” says someone must deal with a difficult situation they created. “Put something to bed” means finish it.
Cultural note: “You made your bed, now lie in it” can sound blaming or harsh, especially when the situation was not fully under someone’s control. “Put a project to bed” is informal workplace language; for a more neutral tone, say “finish” or “complete.”
Keep exploringA bed can describe a rough experience, an irritable morning, consequences, or completed work. Context changes the meaning.
Phrase guide · 4 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Describe an experience that was difficult or unpleasant.
Meaning
Difficult or unpleasant rather than comfortable and easy.
Tone & use
Often used in “It was no bed of roses.” “A bed of roses” is the pleasant image; “no bed of roses” reverses it.
Example
“Starting a new school in the middle of the year was no bed of roses.”
Talk about irritability without treating it as someone’s normal character.
Meaning
Wake up in an unusually bad or irritable mood.
Tone & use
Often used lightly, but it implies the mood is temporary and not the person’s usual behavior.
Example
“He got up on the wrong side of the bed and apologized after breakfast.”
Recognize responsibility language and a phrase for completing tasks.
Meaning
Accept the consequences of a difficult situation you created through your choices.
Tone & use
Can sound harsh or blaming. Use only when the person had meaningful control over the choice and outcome.
Example
“He ignored every warning about the schedule; now he has to make his bed and lie in it.”
Meaning
Finish a task, project, or piece of work.
Tone & use
Informal, often used in publishing or workplace contexts. “Complete” is more neutral and formal.
Example
“The team put the report to bed after reviewing the last edits.”
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
Try it · Choose the best expression
1 of 3
