lie back
Related to lie back: Lie Back and Think of England
lay back
1. To put something down in its former position. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "lay" and "back." Please lay the dress back the way it was on the bed. I don't want it getting any wrinkles before the ceremony.
2. To cause or help someone to lie, lean, or recline on their back. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "lay" and "back." The doctor laid the patient back on the examination table.
3. In sports, especially soccer and rugby, to pass a ball backward to a teammate. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "lay" and "back." The forward laid the ball back to the midfielder, who belted the ball into the net. She tried to lay back the ball to the scrum-half before being tackled to the ground by number 8 on the opposing team.
4. To lie, lean, or recline on one's back. (In usages 4–6, "lay" is a common and erroneous variant of "lie.") Just lay back on the bed while I go get a damp washcloth for your forehead.
5. To maintain a calm, relaxed, and unperturbed demeanor, especially while waiting for something. Nothing to do now but lay back and wait for our royalty checks to come pouring in.
6. To stay behind and wait before taking action; to hang back. I think we should lay back and see what they do before we go barging in making accusations.
See also: back, lay
lie back
To lean or recline on one's back, as in a chair, sofa, or bed. Just lie back, get comfortable, and tell me what's been on your mind lately. All I want to do this weekend is lie back and read my book.
See also: back, lie
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
lie back
to relax; to lean back in a chair and relax. (See also kick back.) Just lie back and try to get comfortable. I really need to get home and lie back and relax.
See also: back, lie
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
- cut back
- choke back
- bring back
- brush back
- claw back
- chop back
- buck off
- a while back
- back over
- back over (someone or something)