take something lying down Definition

lie²
verb, intr lay (past tense), lain (past participle), lying (present participle)

1. To be in or take on a flat or more or less horizontal position on a supporting surface.

Thesaurus: recline, loll, lounge, repose, rest, sprawl, stretch out.
2. To be situated.

Example: The village lies to the west of here
3. To stretch or be spread out to view.

Example: The harbour lay before us
4. Said of subjects for discussion: to remain undiscussed.

Example: let matters lie
5a. To be or remain in a particular state;

Example: lie dormant
5b. To be buried.

Example: Jim's remains lie in a cemetery in Paris

noun

1a. The way or direction in which something is lying;
1b. golf.
The relative position of a ball that has been struck.
Example: Despite finding the rough, he had a good lie
2. An animal's or bird's hiding-place.

Idiom: lie in wait (lie in wait for someone)

To hide before ambushing them.

Idiom: lie low

To stay quiet or hidden.

Idiom: take something lying down

Note: often with negatives
To accept a rebuke or disappointment, etc meekly and without protest.

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon licgan.

Phrasal Verb: lie back

To lean back on a support.To rest, especially after a period of hard work.

Phrasal Verb: lie down

To take a flat or horizontal position, especially to sleep or have a short rest.

Phrasal Verb: lie in

To stay in bed later than usual in the morningTo be in bed giving birth to a child.

Phrasal Verb: lie in something

To consist of it or have it as an essential part.
Example: Success lies in hard work

Phrasal Verb: lie to

Said of a ship: to be almost at a complete standstill.

Phrasal Verb: lie up

Said of a ship: to go into or be in dock.

Phrasal Verb: lie with someone

Said of a duty or responsibility: to rest with them.To have sexual intercourse with them.

Info:

See Usage Note at lay.