Lie in wait Meaning in English
expression
ˈɫaɪ/ /ˈɪn/, /ɪn/ /ˈweɪt
LYE-in-WAYT
lˈaɪ/ /ˈɪn/ /wˈeɪt
LYE-in-WAYT
Definition
To hide and wait quietly for someone or something to come, often with the intention to surprise, attack, or catch them.
Usage & Nuances
Somewhat formal or literary; mainly used for animals, criminals, or in stories. Implies patience and secrecy. Common with prepositions (e.g., 'lie in wait for prey'). Not for casual waiting; suggests a hidden purpose.
Spanish: acechar - esperar al acechoPortuguese (BR): ficar à espreita - emboscar-sePortuguese (PT): ficar à espreita - emboscar-seChinese (Simplified): 埋伏 - 潜伏Chinese (Traditional): 埋伏 - 潛伏Hindi: घात लगाकर बैठनाArabic: يربض في الانتظار - يكمن مترقبًاBengali: ওঁত পেতে থাকা - গোপনে অপেক্ষা করাRussian: в засаде лежать - поджидатьJapanese: 待ち伏せするVietnamese: nằm chờ - ẩn mình chờKorean: 매복하다 - 숨어 기다리다Turkish: pusuya yatmak - gizlice beklemekUrdu: گھات لگانا - چھپ کر انتظار کرناIndonesian: mengintai - bersembunyi menunggu
Example Sentences
The tiger lies in wait for its prey.
basic
The police lay in wait to catch the thief.
basic
Snakes often lie in wait in tall grass.
basic
The robbers lay in wait until midnight before breaking into the store.
natural
Be careful—scams often lie in wait online.
natural
For hours, the photographer lay in wait to capture the perfect shot of the rare bird.
natural