1 C1 formal
(Formal) to be positioned physically in front of someone or something.
"The vast plain lay before them, stretching as far as the eye could see."
inseparable
lie before
C1 formal inseparable intransitive
To be physically or figuratively positioned in front of someone, waiting to be faced or decided upon.
In plain English
Something that is in front of you and needs to be done or dealt with.
What does "lie before" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic formal
(Formal) to be presented to a group or authority for consideration or decision.
"The evidence that lies before the committee is compelling."
inseparable
3 C1 formal
(Figurative) to be a future challenge, task, or possibility awaiting someone.
"Great things lie before you if you are willing to work for them."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To be positioned physically in front of someone.
Actually means
Something that is in front of you and needs to be done or dealt with.
Usage tip
A formal or literary expression. Common in formal legal, political, or literary contexts ('the matter that lies before the court'). Rare in everyday conversation. Similar to 'lie ahead' but carries a greater sense of something that needs to be addressed or examined.
Words that pair with "lie before"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
court committee us you parliament decision
How to conjugate "lie before"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
lie before
I/you/we/they
3rd person
lies before
he/she/it
Past simple
lay before
yesterday
Past participle
lain before
have + pp
-ing form
lying before
continuous
Hear "lie before" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "lie before" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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