lay of the land

Definitions

1. The physical characteristics of the terrain or surrounding natural environment.
   idiomatic
2. The trends, feelings, intentions, and other factors influencing a strategic, political, or social situation.
   idiomatic

Equivalents

2 more languages

Suomimaastotunnelma

Nederlandsligging van het gebiedstand van zaken

Examples

“I did not know⟳ the exact route, but steered by the lay⟳ of the land⟳, as I do in Boston.”

“He noted well the locality, the trees, and the lay⟳ of the land⟳.”

“Because he knew the lay⟳ of the land⟳, he could run⟳ faster in the darkness than his pursuer.”

“I'll feel⟳ the pulse of my friends and yours, and when we get⟳ the lay⟳ of the land⟳, the affair can be accomplished much more easily.”

“"Now look⟳ here, Mary," he said, "I've been expecting you. I warn⟳ you before you begin⟳ that I cannot sanction your marriage to a Protestant." "Oh, but I'm going to convart him!" cried Mary so quickly that the priest laughed harder than ever. "So that's the lay⟳ of the land⟳!" he chuckled. "Well, if you'll guarantee⟳ that, I'll give⟳ in."”

“She saw⟳ the boy's glance⟳, she shifted her knees impatiently and her little face⟳ grew sullen. Hale smiled inwardly, for he thought he could already see⟳ the lay⟳ of the land⟳, and he wondered that, at such an age, such fierceness could be.”

“Slava Tsukerman is a Soviet émigré who has lived in New York City since 1976, apparently long enough for him to get⟳ the lay⟳ of the land⟳.”

“McCain: I want⟳ to see⟳ what the lay⟳ of the land⟳ is after the November elections.”

CEFR level