lie behind
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle behind
Meanings
Be the underlying cause of something visible
Why “behind”? A hidden cause sits behind the action you can see.
“Stress lay behind his outburst.”
“Fear lay behind her silence.”
Don't confuse with
Lie behind means be the underlying cause of something visible. Lie about means be left untidily in various places.
Test yourself
“Stress lay behind his outburst.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
lie about
A contrast learners often mix up
Be left untidily in various places; Tell untruths concerning a subject
be behind
Same behind pattern: hidden cause
Be late with work or a schedule; Be the hidden cause or organiser of something; Support a person, plan, or cause
hide behind
Same behind pattern: hidden cause
Use something as an excuse so people cannot blame you
lurk behind
Same behind pattern: hidden cause
Be hidden or unseen behind a visible cause
stand behind
Same behind pattern: hidden cause
Be the unseen reason or motivator for something; Continue to support someone in difficulty
lie around
Same base verb: lie
Be left unused in plain sight
lie back
Same base verb: lie
Lean backward to rest in a relaxed position
lie down
Same base verb: lie
Place yourself in a horizontal position
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