lay of the land — the disposition of circumstances which one is considering wanted to know more about the lay of the land before investing * * * the general state or condition of affairs under consideration; the facts of a situation: We asked a few questions to… … Useful english dictionary
lay of the land — also[how the land lies] {n. phr.} 1. The natural features of a piece of land, such as hills and valleys. * /The style of house the contractor builds depends partly on the lay of the land./ 2. The way something is arranged; the important facts… … Dictionary of American idioms
lay of the land — also[how the land lies] {n. phr.} 1. The natural features of a piece of land, such as hills and valleys. * /The style of house the contractor builds depends partly on the lay of the land./ 2. The way something is arranged; the important facts… … Dictionary of American idioms
lay of the land — The lay of the land is the way something is organised, runs, is arranged, etc. ( The lie of the land is also used.) … The small dictionary of idiomes
lay of the land — the general state or condition of affairs under consideration; the facts of a situation: We asked a few questions to get the lay of the land. Also, esp. Brit., lie of the land. * * * … Universalium
lay of the land — n. 1. the arrangement of the natural features of an area 2. the existing state or disposition of affairs … English World dictionary
lay of the land — See get the lay of the land … English idioms
the lay of the land — Lay Lay, n. 1. That which lies or is laid or is conceived of as having been laid or placed in its position; a row; a stratum; a layer; as, a lay of stone or wood. Addison. [1913 Webster] A viol should have a lay of wire strings below. Bacon.… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
the lay of the land — the lay (Brit. lie) of the land the way in which the features or characteristics of an area present themselves ■ figurative the current situation or state of affairs she was beginning to see the lay of the land with her in laws * * * the lay of… … Useful english dictionary
(the) lay of the land — the lay of the land american phrase the lie of the land Thesaurus: general words for situations and circumstancessynonym views and landscapessynonym difficult situations and experiencessynonym Main entry … Useful english dictionary
