lie about
phrasal verb·2 senses·particle about
Meanings
Be left untidily in various places
Why “about”? Movement spreads in many directions, without one clear target.
“Toys were lying about the room.”
“Several tools lay about the garage floor.”
Tell untruths concerning a subject
Why “about”? The mind stays with one subject. That subject is the focus of words or thoughts.
“She lied about her age.”
“Tom lied about where he was.”
Don't confuse with
Lie about means be left untidily in various places. Lie behind means be the underlying cause of something visible.
Test yourself
“Toys were lying about the room.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
lie behind
A contrast learners often mix up
Be the underlying cause of something visible
agonise about
Same about pattern: topic
Worry intensely and at length over a decision
argue about
Same about pattern: topic
Disagree verbally concerning a topic
ask about
Same about pattern: topic
Make enquiries concerning something
boast about
Same about pattern: topic
Speak with excessive pride concerning something
bother about
Same about pattern: topic
Take the trouble to attend to something
care about
Same about pattern: topic
Feel concern or interest in something
complain about
Same about pattern: topic
Express dissatisfaction concerning something
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