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."
inseparable
lie by
C1 formal inseparable intransitive
To be kept in reserve or set aside without being used; also (archaic) to rest or stop work.
In plain English
Something kept and not used yet; or an old word for resting from work.
What does "lie by" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 formal
(Archaic) to rest from work, especially because of illness or the need for sleep.
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To lie next to or at the side of something.
Actually means
Something kept and not used yet; or an old word for resting from work.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "lie by"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
reserve store supply funds
How to conjugate "lie by"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "lie by" in the wild
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