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Anonymous Posted 12 years ago
Vocabulary
lying back vs lying down
Hi,
What is the difference between lying back and lying down?
If I say, please lie back on the bed . Is this the same as saying, please lie down on the bed?
Thank you in advance.
What is the difference between lying back and lying down?
If I say, please lie back on the bed . Is this the same as saying, please lie down on the bed?
Thank you in advance.
Top answer
"lie back" can be less horizontal than "lie down". Also, the phrases may have additional connotations beyond merely describing physical positions. For example, "lie down" can suggest fatigue or unwellness, or "lie back" can suggest relaxation.
- "lie back" can be less horizontal than "lie down".
- Also, the phrases may have additional connotations beyond merely describing physical positions.
- For example, "lie down" can suggest fatigue or unwellness, or "lie back" can suggest relaxation.
- These additional connotations depend on context and do not always apply.
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2 Answers
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"lie back" can be less horizontal than "lie down". Also, the phrases may have additional connotations beyond merely describing physical positions. For example, "lie down" can suggest fatigue or unwellness, or "lie back" can suggest relaxation. These additional connotations depend on context and do not always apply.
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In the US these are sometimes used figuratively:
He's lying back (watching the action without committing himself, in hopes that an opportunity will arise) waiting for you to make a bad move.
I won't take that lying down (I won't tolerate it).
He's lying back (watching the action without committing himself, in hopes that an opportunity will arise) waiting for you to make a bad move.
I won't take that lying down (I won't tolerate it).
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