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 phrase lie in wait mean?

: 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.

Do you lie in wait or lay in wait?

The stack isn't placing on the table, so the present participle of lie is correct. ... You wouldn't say they placed in waiting, so the past tense of lie is correct.