Lie In Wait

B2 16+
Pronunciation Definitions Examples Grammatical Forms Origin and Evolution

Pronunciation: /laɪ ɪn weɪt/

Definitions of lie in wait

noun a person or thing lying in wait

Example Sentences

A1 The cat likes to lie in wait for mice in the garden.

A2 The hunter set up a trap to lie in wait for the deer.

B1 The spy decided to lie in wait for the target at the cafe.

B2 The assassins were instructed to lie in wait for the politician at the event.

C1 The special forces team was trained to lie in wait for the enemy in the jungle.

C2 The hackers were known to lie in wait for vulnerable systems to attack.

preposition in

Example Sentences

A1 The cat lies in wait for the mouse.

A2 The hunter lies in wait for the perfect shot.

B1 The spies lie in wait for the enemy to arrive.

B2 The ambush was carefully planned as they lay in wait for their target.

C1 The police officers lie in wait for the criminal to make a move.

C2 The assassins lie in wait for their target, ready to strike at any moment.

Examples of lie in wait in a Sentence

formal The predator would lie in wait for its prey, patiently watching for the perfect moment to strike.

informal The burglars decided to lie in wait outside the house until the owners left for vacation.

slang The paparazzi would lie in wait outside the celebrity's house to get a shot of them.

figurative Sometimes our fears lie in wait in the shadows of our minds, ready to pounce when we least expect it.

Grammatical Forms of lie in wait

past tense

lay in wait

plural

lie in wait

present tense

lies in wait

future tense

will lie in wait

perfect tense

has lain in wait

continuous tense

is lying in wait

singular

lies in wait

positive degree

lie in wait

infinitive

to lie in wait

gerund

lying in wait

participle

waiting in wait

Origin and Evolution of lie in wait

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Old French
Story behind the word: The phrase 'lie in wait' originated from the Old French term 'logier en waitier' which means to lodge in wait, indicating the act of hiding or waiting for someone or something.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the term 'lie in wait' has retained its original meaning of hiding or waiting for a specific purpose, often with a negative connotation of deceit or ambush.