Meaning of lay of the land | Babel Free

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

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