find out how the land lies
find out how the land lies
To make observations about or come to understand a particular state of affairs or the way a situation exists or has developed, especially before taking any decisive or definitive action. Given the turbulent nature of this market, I think it would be prudent for us to find out how the land lies before we agree to invest in your company. I'm just finding out how the land lies between my parents before I make any solid plans to come visit them.
See also: find, how, land, lie, out
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
- see
- see how the land lies
- see how the wind blows
- see how the wind is blowing
- see which way the wind blows
- see which way the wind is blowing
- see, etc. how the land lies
- spy out the land
- how the land lies
- always the bridesmaid, never the bride