the lay of the land
noun phrase
US
: the arrangement of the different parts in an area of land : where things are located in a place
She knew the lay of the land from hiking through it daily.
—often used figurativelyIt takes time for new employees to get the lay of the land in this department.
Examples of the lay of the land in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Although Waldeck is still getting the lay of the land, there are certain clear opportunities — notably building direct-to-consumer for the brands and expanding their footprint in men’s.
—
Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2025
While Henry stops to take a rock out of his shoe, Julie climbs a nearby hill to get the lay of the land.
—Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 8 Aug. 2025
In the weeks to come, Metro reporter Austin Hornbostel will give you the lay of the land with a guide to the city’s neighborhoods.
—Benjamin Goad, The Tennessean, 26 July 2025
But then Heather Locklear, the show's biggest star, showed him the lay of the land.
—Mark Gray, People.com, 8 July 2025
Sometimes, though, the lay of the land gets controversial.
—Sonya Bennett-Brandt, AFAR Media, 25 June 2025
Get the lay of the land by hiking the 4.8-mile Clear Lake Loop Trail.
—Jen Murphy, Outside Online, 22 May 2025
Everyone was trying to help in any possible way, on and off the ice and in the gym and just trying to get the different routines down and get the lay of the land and the way things are done around here.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 2025
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Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2025
While Henry stops to take a rock out of his shoe, Julie climbs a nearby hill to get the lay of the land.
—Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 8 Aug. 2025
In the weeks to come, Metro reporter Austin Hornbostel will give you the lay of the land with a guide to the city’s neighborhoods.
—Benjamin Goad, The Tennessean, 26 July 2025
But then Heather Locklear, the show's biggest star, showed him the lay of the land.
—Mark Gray, People.com, 8 July 2025
Sometimes, though, the lay of the land gets controversial.
—Sonya Bennett-Brandt, AFAR Media, 25 June 2025
Get the lay of the land by hiking the 4.8-mile Clear Lake Loop Trail.
—Jen Murphy, Outside Online, 22 May 2025
Everyone was trying to help in any possible way, on and off the ice and in the gym and just trying to get the different routines down and get the lay of the land and the way things are done around here.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“The lay of the land.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20lay%20of%20the%20land. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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