see how the land lies Definition

land
noun

1. The solid part of the Earth's surface as opposed to the area covered by water.
2. Ground or soil, especially with regard to its use or quality.

Example: farm land
Thesaurus: dirt, soil, earth, ground, property, real estate, realty (US), tract.
3. Ground that is used for agriculture.
4. A country, state or region.

Example: native land
Thesaurus: country, nation, province, territory.
5. Estates.

Thesaurus: acreage, grounds, estates, spread US).
Form: lands
6. Any area of ground that is characterized in a specified way.

Example: gangland
Example: hinterland

verb landed, landing

tr & intr
1. To come or bring to rest on the ground or water, or in a particular place, after flight through the air.

Example: The plane landed on time
Thesaurus: alight, arrive, dock, end up, touch down.
intr
2. To end up in a specified place or position, especially after a fall, jump, throw, etc.
3. To bring on to the land from a ship.

Example: landed the cargo
4. To bring (a fish, especially one caught on a line) out of the water.
5. colloq
To be successful in getting (a job, contract, prize, etc).
Thesaurus: get, achieve, obtain, win, secure, nail down (slang).
6. colloq
To give someone (a punch or slap).

Idiom: by land

Over the ground, as opposed to flying or sailing.

Idiom: in the land of the living

colloq
Alive.

Idiom: land lucky

To find oneself in an unexpectedly fortunate position.

Idiom: land on one's feet

To end up in a favourable situation, especially after some setback, misdemeanour, indiscretion, etc.

Idiom: see how the land lies

To make investigations into something, especially before taking some decision.

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon.

Phrasal Verb: land someone or oneself in something

To put them, or to find oneself, in a certain position or situation, usually one that is unwelcome or unfavourable.
Example: landed themselves in trouble

Phrasal Verb: land up

To come to be in a certain position or situation, usually one that is worse than the previous one.
Example: landed up homeless after losing his job

Phrasal Verb: land someone with something

To give or pass something unpleasant or unwanted to them.
Example: landed us with all the bills to pay