the lie of the land

Related to the lie of the land: how the land lies

the lie of the land

1. Literally, the physical topography of a particular location or area. Primarily heard in UK. See if there's a path to higher ground so we can see the lie of the land.
2. By extension, the particular state, arrangement, or condition of something; the way a situation exists or has developed. Primarily heard in UK. Given the turbulent nature of this market, I think it would be prudent to understand the lie of the land before we agree to invest. I'm thinking about studying business, but I want to visit a few colleges first and check out the lie of the land.
See also: land, lie, of
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

the ˌlie of the ˈland

(British English) (American English the ˌlay of the ˈland)
1 the way the land in an area is formed and what physical characteristics it has
2 the way a situation is now and how it is likely to develop: Check out the lie of the land before you make a decision.
See also: land, lie, of
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • lay of the land
  • lay of the land, the
  • the lay of the land
  • a pinch and a punch for the first of the month
  • literally
  • (the) survival of the fittest
  • beat the daylights out of
  • beat the living daylights out of someone
  • beat/knock/kick the hell out of somebody/something
  • beat/scare the daylights out of somebody
References in periodicals archive
The Lie Of The Land will feature landscapes around the River Coquet, Howick shoreline, Simonside, Pauperhaugh, Craster and Dunstanburgh, with evocative titles including Beech in Spring and Old Apple Trees.
Bringing art and stage together
THE LIE OF THE LAND: An Under-the-Field Guide to the British Isles
The Lie of the Land: An Under-the-Field Guide to the British Isles
The Lie Of The Land, a documentary feature film by award-winning director Molly Dineen, chronicles what could be the death throes of a way of life.
SATELLITE PICK OF THE DAY
Well, when it comes to the BBC's regions and national regions and so on, they know a thing or two about the lie of the land, don't they?
BBC gives it to you straight; Westgate
It's now a case of knowing the lie of the land and most of the lies in this land have come from the Government.
Days of the cronies are numbered
It looked quite spectacular but, because of the lie of the land, it was pretty much contained in a bowl."
Huge fire breaks out in scrapyard