Synonyms

lie with

Idioms

Be decided by, dependent on, or up to. For example, The choice of restaurant lies with you. Starting about 1300 this phrase meant “to have sexual intercourse with,” a usage that is now obsolete. [Late 1800s]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The more plausible fix may lie with Congress.

From Slate • Jul. 6, 2026

The error with any individual issue may lie with the insurer, the provider or the patient.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 22, 2026

His only chance of a fairytale win appears to lie with the weather Gods.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

While backing France's right to impose such a ban, the European Commission in January said that any enforcement would lie with the European Union, provided the bill conforms to the bloc's laws.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

I lie with my eyes squeezed shut and listen for clues.

From "Without Refuge" by Jane Mitchell

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023