lie in wait

To hide and stay quiet, waiting for the right moment to attack, catch, or surprise someone or something.

ruПрятаться и оставаться тихо, ожидая подходящего момента, чтобы напасть, поймать или застать врасплох кого-то или что-то.esEsconderse y permanecer en silencio, esperando el momento oportuno para atacar, atrapar o sorprender a alguien o algo.frSe cacher et rester immobile en attendant le moment propice pour attaquer, surprendre ou capturer quelqu'un ou quelque chose.deSich versteckt und still verhalten, um auf einen günstigen Moment zu warten, um jemanden oder etwas anzugreifen, zu fangen oder zu überraschen.ptEsconder-se e ficar em silêncio, esperando o momento certo para atacar, capturar ou surpreender alguém ou algo.zh隐蔽地躲藏并保持安静，等待合适的时机来攻击、抓住或突袭某人或某物。arأن يختفي الشخص ويبقى ساكنًا مترقبًا اللحظة المناسبة ليهجم على أحد أو يمسكه أو يفاجئه. ويشمل أيضًا نصب كمين أو التربص بشيء أو شخص.

1. Ambush or hide B2 formal

   To hide and wait for someone or something, usually to attack or surprise them.

   • The hunters lay in wait for the deer.
   • The soldiers lay in wait for the enemy convoy.
   • The cat lay in wait for the mouse to come out of its hole.

   ruПодстерегатьesAcecharfrÊtre en embuscadedeAuflauernptFicar à espreitazh埋伏arيتربص

2. Be imminent or hidden C1 formal

   To be present but hidden, often referring to danger or problems that are not yet obvious.

   • Many dangers lie in wait for inexperienced travelers.
   • Unknown challenges lie in wait for the new team.
   • A surprise lay in wait for her when she opened the door.

   ruПодстерегатьesestar al acechofrêtre en embuscadedeLauernptÀ espreitazh潜伏arيَكْمُنُ