lie in wait
Remain hidden while preparing to attack, as in The opposition was quietly lying in wait for the incumbent to make his first big mistake. This expression originally alluded to physical attacks and is now often used figuratively. [Mid-1400s] Also see lay for.
What does it mean lying in wait?
: to hide and wait for the right moment to make an attack The killer may have been lying in wait for him. —sometimes used figuratively No one knows what lies in wait for us in the coming year.
Is laying or lying correct?
You lie down, but you lay something down. Lie does not require a direct object. Lay requires a direct object. The same rule applies to laying and lying (not lieing—beware of spelling).
