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lie around

B1 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To rest without doing anything; or when things are left everywhere with no order.

Literal meaning: To be lying flat in various positions around a space.

Meanings

1 A2 informal

(Of a person) to spend time relaxing or doing nothing in particular.

"He spent the entire Sunday lying around the house and watching TV."

Grammar: inseparable
2 A2 informal

(Of objects) to be left untidily in various places without being put away.

"Don't leave your shoes lying around — put them in the cupboard."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B1 informal

To exist somewhere in a vague or unspecified location, often referring to information or items not immediately to hand.

"I'm sure the instructions are lying around somewhere — I saw them last week."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Very common in British and American English. When referring to objects, it suggests disorder or carelessness. When referring to people, it suggests relaxation or idleness. Often mildly critical in tone.

Commonly used with

house floor room clothes books all day

Forms

Base
lie around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
lies around
he/she/it
Past simple
lay around
yesterday
Past participle
lain around
have + pp
-ing form
lying around
continuous

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