give something a rest—stop talking about or doing smth. for a period of time:
- I think you ought to give football a rest for a time.
put something to rest—(also: lay something to rest)
1. dispel fears, rumors, etc.:
- The day is approaching when other popular misconceptions will be put to rest.
2. settle an issue, dispute, etc., especially so as to be free of it:
- I am hoping to do enough research on it to finally put it to rest this fall.