verb (used without object) 1.to be in a horizontal, recumbent, or prostrate position, as on a bed or the ground; recline.
2.(of objects) to rest in a horizontal or flat position: The book lies on the table.
3.to be or remain in a position or state of inactivity, subjection, restraint, concealment, etc.: to lie in ambush.
4.to rest, press, or weigh (usually followed by on or upon): These things lie upon my mind.
5.to depend (usually followed by on or upon).
EXPAND6.to be placed or situated: land lying along the coast.
7.to be stretched out or extended: the broad plain that lies before us.
8.to be in or have a specified direction; extend: The trail from here lies to the west.
9.to be found or located in a particular area or place: The fault lies here.
10.to consist or be grounded (usually followed by
in):
The real remedy lies in education. 11.to be buried in a particular spot: Their ancestors lie in the family plot.
12.Law. to be sustainable or admissible, as an action or appeal.
13.Archaic. to lodge; stay the night; sojourn.
COLLAPSE noun 14.the manner, relative position, or direction in
which something lies.
15.the haunt or covert of an animal.
16.Golf. the position of the ball relative to how easy or how difficult it is to play.
Verb phrases17.lie by, a.to pause for rest; stop activities, work, etc., temporarily.
b.to lie unused: Ever since the last member of the family died, the old house has lain by.
18.lie down, to assume a horizontal or prostrate position, as for the purpose of resting.
19.lie in, to be confined to bed in childbirth.
20.lie over, to be postponed for attention or action at some future time:
The other business on the agenda will have to lie over until the next meeting. 21.lie up, a.to lie at rest; stay in bed.
b.(of a ship) to dock or remain in dock.
EXPAND22.lie with, a.to be the duty or function of:
The decision in this matter lies with him. b.Archaic. to have sexual intercourse with.
COLLAPSE Idioms23.lie down on the job, Informal. to do less than one could or should do; shirk one's obligations.
24.lie in state. state (def. 24). 26.lie to, Nautical. (of a ship) to lie comparatively stationary, usually with the head as near the wind as possible.
27.take lying down, to hear or yield without protest, contradiction, or resistance: I refuse to take such an insult lying down.
Origin:
before 900; Middle English lien, liggen, Old English licgan; cognate with German liegen, Dutch liggen, Old Norse liggja, Gothic ligan; akin to Greek léchesthai to lie down
Synonyms
14. place, location, site.
Antonyms
1, 2. stand.