lie ahead
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words
Something that will happen or that you will face in the future.
Literal meaning: To be positioned in the physical space in front of you — as if the future is a landscape you are walking towards.
Meanings
1 B2 neutral
(Of future events or situations) to be waiting to be faced or experienced.
"No one knows exactly what lies ahead, but we must face it together."
"The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep."
— Barack Obama, Victory Speech, Chicago, 2008
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 neutral
To be physically located in front of a person or group, further along a path.
"A long stretch of desert road lies ahead of us — we should fill up with petrol now."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Very common in speeches, writing, and motivational contexts. Often used to discuss challenges, opportunities, or an uncertain future. Typically used with abstract subjects like 'challenges', 'opportunities', or 'a long journey'.
Commonly used with
challenges opportunities journey future work years
Forms
Base
lie ahead
I/you/we/they
3rd person
lies ahead
he/she/it
Past simple
lay ahead
yesterday
Past participle
lain ahead
have + pp
-ing form
lying ahead
continuous
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