lie back
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle back
Meanings
Lean backward to rest in a relaxed position
Why “back”? Back creates distance or reduces progress. The change can affect a place, position, amount, promise, or plan.
“He lay back in the chair.”
“She lay back on the sofa.”
Don't confuse with
Lie back means lean backward to rest. Lie down means place yourself in a horizontal position.
Test yourself
“He lay back in the chair.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
lie down
A contrast learners often mix up
Place yourself in a horizontal position
cut back
Same back pattern: distance
Reduce sharply, especially expenditure; Reduce the amount of something, especially spending
die back
Same back pattern: distance
(of a plant) lose leaves and branches above ground while the roots survive
draw back
Same back pattern: distance
Move yourself away in hesitation
drive back
Same back pattern: distance
Force an attacker to retreat
drop back
Same back pattern: distance
Move to a position further behind
edge back
Same back pattern: distance
Move backward in small cautious steps
fall back
Same back pattern: distance
Move backwards quickly, often in retreat; Use something as a backup when other options fail; Move into a position behind others
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