the lie of the land

== English == === Pronunciation === === Noun === lay of the land (idiomatic) The physical characteristics of the terrain or surrounding natural environment. (idiomatic) The trends, feelings, intentions, and other factors influencing a strategic, political, or social situation. ==== Usage notes ==== Almost always preceded by the. ==== Synonyms ==== lie of the land ==== Translations ==== === References === “lay of the land”, in OneLook Dictionary Search.