lie back
A2 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To move your body into a lying-down position by going backwards.
Literal meaning: To move one's body backward into a lying position.
Meanings
1 A2 neutral
To move from an upright or sitting position to a relaxed, reclining position by leaning backwards.
"She lay back on the pillows and closed her eyes."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2
idiomatic
informal
(Figurative) to relax and allow events to unfold without taking action; to be passive.
"You can't just lie back and let others do all the work."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Suggests a restful, comfortable movement. Often used in medical contexts (lie back on the examination table) or relaxation contexts. Different from 'lie down' in that it implies starting from a seated or raised position and moving backward.
Commonly used with
pillow sofa chair grass bed relax
Forms
Base
lie back
I/you/we/they
3rd person
lies back
he/she/it
Past simple
lay back
yesterday
Past participle
lain back
have + pp
-ing form
lying back
continuous
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