lay of the land, the

Idioms  

1. The nature, arrangement, or disposition of something, the general state of affairs, as in Once we know the lay of the land, we can plan our advertising campaign. A related expression is how the land lies, as in Let's be cautious till we know how the land lies. This usage originated in Britain about 1700 as the lie of the land and is still so used there.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

lay of the land, the

“I don’t understand the intricacies and nuances, the lay of the land, the psyche.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 20, 2021

During the first week of tramping he thoroughly learned the lay of the land, the topography of his particular stretch of Sherman Pass.

From The U. P. Trail by Zane Grey

Finally he wrote accurate notes concerning the topography of each and every pine district,—the lay of the land; the hills, ravines, swamps, and valleys; the distance from the river; the character of the soil.

From The Blazed Trail by Stewart Edward White

Moreover he knew the lay of the land, the trail the fugitives would follow, and to some extent Black Kettle's camp.

From Molly McDonald A Tale of the Old Frontier by Ernest L. Blumenschein

The "lay of the land," the attitude, and gesture of the lines are admirable.

From The Bed-Book of Happiness by Harold Begbie

Related Words

• contour