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
Idioms Using lie
Example
The evidence given by the witness gave the lie to the defendant's alibi.
Example
She refused to take the criticism lying down and defended herself vigorously.
Example
His story was a complete pack of lies from beginning to end.
Phrases with lie
Example
After the scandal, he decided to lie low for a while.
Example
The former president will lie in state at the Capitol building.
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'
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.