# lies

/ˈɫaɪz/ (US) · /lˈaɪz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/lies
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. to be in a flat position

verb · CEFR A2

to be in a flat or horizontal position on a surface.

For teachers: to be in or assume a horizontal or resting position on a supporting surface. This intransitive sense does not take a direct object.

- The cat often lies on the sofa all afternoon while the house is quiet.
- The small village lies at the base of the mountain range, sheltered from the harsh northern winds by a dense forest of ancient pines.

### 2. to tell something untrue

verb · CEFR A2

to say something that you know is not true.

For teachers: to make a statement that one knows to be false with the intent to deceive.

- He lies about his age because he wants to look younger.
- The witness frequently lies under pressure, making it difficult for the jury to establish a reliable timeline of the evening's events.

## Examples

- He told many lies to hide his mistake.
- The politician's career ended quickly after the public discovered the lies he told about his past.
- A web of lies often becomes impossible to maintain, as each new fabrication requires further deception to protect the original falsehood from being exposed.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.