lie1
v.
(lies, lying; past lay; past part. lain)
- be in or assume a horizontal or resting position on a supporting surface.
▸be buried in a particular place.
- be or remain in a specified state.
- reside or be found:
the solution lies in a return to traditional values.
- be situated in a specified position or direction.
- Law (of an action, charge, or claim) be admissible or sustainable.
n.
- the way, direction, or position in which something lies or comes to rest.
- the place of cover of an animal or a bird.
Phrase
- let something lie
take no action on a difficult matter. - lie low
keep out of sight; avoid attention. - the lie
(N. Amer. lay)
of the land
- the features of an area.
- the current situation.
- take something lying down
[usu. with neg.]
accept an insult, setback, or rebuke without protest.
Phrase verbal
- lie in
- Brit. remain in bed later than usual.
- archaic (of a pregnant woman) go to bed to give birth.
- lie off
Nautical (of a ship) stand some distance from shore or from another ship. - lie to
Nautical (of a ship) come almost to a stop with its head towards the wind. - lie up
(of a ship) go into dock or be out of commission. - lie with
archaic have sex with.
Usage
On the distinction between lie and lay, see usage at lay1.
Etymology
OE licgan, of Gmc origin.
lie2
n.
an intentionally false statement.
▸a situation involving deception or founded on a mistaken impression:
she had been living a lie.
v.
(lies, lying, lied)
tell a lie or lies.
▸(of a thing) present a false impression.
Phrase
- give the lie to
serve to show that (something assumed to be the case) is not true. - lie through one's teeth
informal tell an outright lie.
Etymology
OE lyge (n.), lēogan (v.), of Gmc origin.