1 C1 formal
(Nautical) to keep a ship nearly stationary by positioning its bow into the wind, especially during a storm.
"As the squall intensified, the captain ordered the crew to lie to until it passed."
inseparable
lie to
C1 formal inseparable intransitive
A nautical term meaning to bring a ship to a near-standstill by positioning it head-on to the wind.
In plain English
When a ship is stopped in the water with its front pointing into the wind.
What does "lie to" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Usage tip
Exclusively a nautical/maritime term. Not related to 'lying to' someone (i.e., deceiving them), which is a different construction entirely. Found in historical fiction, maritime literature, and technical sailing contexts.
Words that pair with "lie to"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
wind gale sea vessel ship storm
How to conjugate "lie to"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
lie to
I/you/we/they
3rd person
lies to
he/she/it
Past simple
lay to
yesterday
Past participle
lain to
have + pp
-ing form
lying to
continuous
Hear "lie to" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "lie to" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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