lie by
C1 formal inseparable intransitive
In simple words
Something kept and not used yet; or an old word for resting from work.
Literal meaning: To lie next to or at the side of something.
Meanings
1 C1
idiomatic
formal
(Of resources or items) to be kept in reserve and not currently used.
"A small emergency fund has been lying by in the account for years."
Grammar: inseparable
2 C1 formal
(Archaic) to rest from work, especially because of illness or the need for sleep.
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
The sense of 'being kept in reserve' is found in formal or literary English. The sense of 'resting from work' is archaic or dialectal. Rarely used in modern everyday speech. Occasionally encountered in historical texts or legal language.
Commonly used with
reserve store supply funds
Forms
Base
lie by
I/you/we/they
3rd person
lies by
he/she/it
Past simple
lay by
yesterday
Past participle
lain by
have + pp
-ing form
lying by
continuous
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