lie behind
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words
The real reason why something happens, which may not be obvious at first.
Literal meaning: To be positioned at the back of or behind something.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
neutral
To be the underlying or hidden cause, reason, or motivation for something.
"Researchers are trying to understand what lies behind the rise in childhood obesity."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 neutral
To be physically located at the back of or behind something.
"A beautiful garden lies behind the old stone wall."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Very common in analytical writing, journalism, and academic contexts. Used to discuss underlying motivations, causes, or histories. The subject is usually abstract: 'What lies behind this decision?'
Commonly used with
decision behaviour problem success conflict motivation
Forms
Base
lie behind
I/you/we/they
3rd person
lies behind
he/she/it
Past simple
lay behind
yesterday
Past participle
lain behind
have + pp
-ing form
lying behind
continuous
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