lie of the land
noun phrase
British
: the arrangement of the different parts in an area of land : where things are located in a place
She knew the lie of the land from hiking through it daily.
—often used figurativelyIt takes time for new employees to get the lie of the land in this department.
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Lay vs. Lie
Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference.
Cite this Entry
“Lie of the land.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lie%20of%20the%20land. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
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