lie in wait (for), to
Definition
To ambush, to prepare to attack from a hiding place. This cliché, which dates from the fifteenth century, originally referred to a physical attack. It was soon being used metaphorically, as Jonathan Swift illustrates in “A Tale of a Tub” (1704): “A ring of disciples, who lie in wait to catch their droppings.”
Synonyms
- Lie in ambush
- Stalk
- Lurk
- Waylay
Antonyms
- Approach openly
- Confront directly
- Face head-on
Related and Similar Terms
- “Bide your time”: To wait calmly for a good opportunity to do something. 🕰️
- “Keep a low profile”: To avoid attracting attention to oneself. 🕵️
- “Laying in the cut”: Urban slang for staying hidden and waiting. 🌆
Humor-filled Quote
“Why do chickens never lie in wait? Because they run around like headless… well, you know!”
Proverb
- “He who waits patiently is he who hunts successfully.” Originates from the ancient art of the hunt.
Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, and Movies
- Book: “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu 📖
- Song: “Waiting on a Friend” by The Rolling Stones 🎸
- Movie: “Predator” (1987) 🦖
- Poetry: Robert Frost’s “Out, Out—” 📝
### Which idiom means the same as "lie in wait"?
- [x] Lurk in the shadows
- [ ] Leap with joy
- [ ] Shoot the breeze
- [ ] Cook up a storm
> **Explanation:** "Lurk in the shadows" is synonymous with "lie in wait," both meaning to hide and prepare for an ambush.
### Which of these terms is similar to "lie in wait"?
- [x] Waylay
- [ ] Frolic
- [ ] Revel
- [ ] Gallivant
> **Explanation:** "Waylay" is related to ambushing someone by hiding, much like "lie in wait."
### True or False: "Lie in wait" can only refer to physical ambushes.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** While "lie in wait" originally referred to physical ambushes, it is now used metaphorically to describe any hidden preparation.
By peeling back the layers of language, we discover much about how we weave metaphor and imagery into dense tapestries of meaning. Remember, next time you’re laying in wait, be it for a moment of perfect comic timing or that clandestine cookie confiscation, approach it as both art and opportunity. Stay cleverly patient, and ambush with style! ✨
