Lies
/laɪz/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo make a false statement intentionally.
/laɪz/
To state something known or believed to be untrue.
He lies about his age to appear younger.
💡 Simply: Imagine your friend telling you the sky is green when you know it's blue. They're lying! It's like saying something that isn't true on purpose.
👶 For kids: To say something that is not true.
More Examples
I suspect he's lying about the events of that night.
She wouldn't lie to her best friend.
How It's Used
"He lies constantly to avoid taking responsibility."
"She was accused of lying under oath."
To be or put oneself in a flat or horizontal position.
/laɪz/
To be in a horizontal resting position.
The book lies on the table.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're tired and want to take a nap. You 'lie down' on your bed. It means to rest horizontally.
👶 For kids: To be flat like you are sleeping in your bed.
More Examples
She lay in the sun all afternoon.
He needs to lie down and rest after that workout.
How It's Used
"He lies on the couch after work to relax."
"The patient must lie flat for the examination."
A false statement made with intent to deceive.
/laɪz/
A false statement made deliberately.
The politician's lies were quickly uncovered.
💡 Simply: It's like when someone tells you a story that's not true. These are lies.
👶 For kids: A story that isn't true.
More Examples
She told a series of small lies to cover up the truth.
He knew his business partner was telling him lies.
How It's Used
"His lies were exposed during the investigation."
"The court ruled against him based on his lies."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
to lie low
To avoid attention or trouble.
"After the scandal, he decided to lie low for a while."
lie in wait
To wait secretly in order to attack or take someone by surprise.
"The cat lay in wait for the mouse."
From Old English *lygþ* (plural of *lyge*, a lie), from Proto-Germanic *leugą*. The verb form, related to the noun, has similar origins.
Used in similar contexts as today, with a history tracing back to Old English. The concept of deception has been a constant throughout history.
Memory tip
Think of a LIAR making LIES.