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."
inseparable
lie back
A2 neutral inseparable intransitive
To recline into a relaxed, horizontal or near-horizontal position by leaning backwards.
In plain English
To move your body into a lying-down position by going backwards.
What does "lie back" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To move one's body backward into a lying position.
Actually means
To move your body into a lying-down position by going backwards.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "lie back"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
pillow sofa chair grass bed relax
How to conjugate "lie back"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "lie back" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "lie back" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.