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Meantolearn Posted 21 years ago
Vocabulary

Lie in state

Hi,

lie in state - When the dead body of an important person lies in state, it is arranged so that the public can see and honour it before it is buried.

Does 'lie in state' mean or short for 'lie in (the) state of (peace,etc.)'

I heard other use, such as 'lie in bed'. A bed is an object, but apparently a 'state' is not an object.

Does anybody know the origin of the phrase 'lie in state'?


Thanks,
  

Top answer

No, it's not short for "lie in the state of peace". It means to lie in splendor, impressively, to be displayed ceremoniously, as befits nobility. "lie in state" is idiomatic.

— CalifJim

  • No, it's not short for "lie in the state of peace".
  • It means to lie in splendor, impressively, to be displayed ceremoniously, as befits nobility.
  • "lie in state" is idiomatic.
  • It's a fixed expression only very indirectly related to the literal meaning of the words.
  • CJ
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1 Answers
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No, it's not short for "lie in the state of peace". It means to lie in splendor, impressively, to be displayed ceremoniously, as befits nobility. "lie in state" is idiomatic. It's a fixed expression only very indirectly related to the literal meaning of the words.

CJ
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