Lay is often used where lie is considered standard, as in "I'm going to lay down for a quick nap." The use, which dates to the 14th century, troubled no one until the 18th, but since then, people who care …

1. To be decided by, dependent on, or up to: The choice lies with you. 2. Archaic To have sexual intercourse with.

A lie is an assertion that is believed to be false, typically used with the intention of deceiving or misleading someone. [1][2][3] The practice of communicating lies is called lying. A person who …

Perhaps ultimately, behind all the pursuit of geometry and base-figures, lies the idea that there are universal principles that underlie all phenomena and all cultures.

A lie is something that someone says or writes which they know is untrue. "Who else do you work for?"—"No one."—"That's a lie." I've had enough of your lies.

(of objects) to rest in a horizontal or flat position: The book lies on the table. to be or remain in a position or state of inactivity, subjection, restraint, concealment, etc.: to lie in ambush.

Definition of lie verb in Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Dec 23, 2025 · The psychology behind our surprising tolerance for deception is that we feel good about some lies, we avoid confrontation, and, in our families, lies were structural.

to speak falsely or utter untruth knowingly, as with intent to deceive. to express what is false; convey a false impression. to bring about or affect by lying (often used reflexively). to lie oneself out of a …

To take something lying down is to accept something bad, such as an insult or unfair treatment, without trying to fight against it. She likes to lie in [= sleep in] on Saturdays. The prisoners had to lie low after …