How to Pronounce "lie in wait"
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.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈɫaɪ/ /ˈɪn/, /ɪn/ /ˈweɪt
British English
lˈaɪ/ /ˈɪn/ /wˈeɪt
Simplified Pronunciation
US
LYE-in-WAYT
UK
LYE-in-WAYT
Listen in Context
The tiger lies in wait for its prey.
The police lay in wait to catch the thief.
Snakes often lie in wait in tall grass.
The robbers lay in wait until midnight before breaking into the store.