to make a false statement with the intention of deceiving someone, to be in or assume a horizontal or resting position on a supporting surface

give the lie to something, take something lying down, a pack of lies

lie low, lie in state, lie through one's teeth

Formal and Informal Expressions of lie

In different contexts, you can replace 'lie' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'falsify, misrepresent' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'fib, stretch the truth' is a commonplace synonym.

lie: Explore its Definition & Usage

lie Definition

1to make a false statement with the intention of deceiving someone
2to be in or assume a horizontal or resting position on a supporting surface

Using lie: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "lie" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
He lied about his age to get into the club.
Example
She lied to her parents about where she was going.
Example
The witness lied under oath in court.
Example
I can't believe he lied to me about something so important.

lie Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for lie

Antonyms for lie

Idioms Using lie

give the lie to something
to prove that something is false or untrue
Example
The evidence given by the witness gave the lie to the defendant's alibi.
take something lying down
to accept an insult or injury without protest or resistance
Example
She refused to take the criticism lying down and defended herself vigorously.
a pack of lies
a series of lies or falsehoods
Example
His story was a complete pack of lies from beginning to end.

Phrases with lie

lie low
to keep a low profile and avoid drawing attention to oneself
Example
After the scandal, he decided to lie low for a while.
lie in state
to have one's body placed on public view before burial
Example
The former president will lie in state at the Capitol building.
lie through one's teeth
to tell an outright lie without shame or remorse
Example
He lied through his teeth when he said he didn't know anything about the missing money.

Origins of lie

from Old English 'leogan', meaning 'to tell a lie'

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Summary: lie in Brief

The verb 'lie' [laɪ] has two main meanings: to make a false statement with the intention of deceiving someone, and to be in a horizontal or resting position. The former is exemplified by 'He lied about his age to get into the club,' while the latter is seen in 'She likes to lie on the beach all day.' Phrases like 'lie low' and idioms like 'give the lie to something' extend the range of meanings.