C2idiomtravelIELTS-friendly
the lie of the land
USUK
the general situation, or how an area is laid out, before you act
British; American English says 'the lay of the land'. Common verbs: 'get', 'see', 'find out'.
In context
Spend your first week in the new job getting the lie of the land.
We walked around the village to see the lie of the land before choosing a homestay.
More idioms about travel
- a bumpy ridea difficult period with many problems
- a change of scenerytime in a new place that makes you feel fresh and different
- a flying visita very short visit
- a fork in the roada point where you must choose between two different paths or decisions
- a home away from homea place where you feel as comfortable and relaxed as in your own home