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."
inseparable
lie around
B1 informal inseparable intransitive
To rest idly in a relaxed position; or for objects to be left untidily in various places.
In plain English
To rest without doing anything; or when things are left everywhere with no order.
What does "lie around" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
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."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To be lying flat in various positions around a space.
Actually means
To rest without doing anything; or when things are left everywhere with no order.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "lie around"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
house floor room clothes books all day
How to conjugate "lie around"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "lie around" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "lie around" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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