To be waiting in the future; to be about to happen or be encountered.
Something that will happen or that you will face in the future.
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
(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
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."
To be positioned in the physical space in front of you — as if the future is a landscape you are walking towards.
Something that will happen or that you will face in the future.
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'.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "lie ahead" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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