lying around the corner

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lying around the corner" is not correct in standard English usage.
It may be intended to convey something that is nearby or imminent, but the expression is not commonly used in this form. Example: "I thought I saw a store lying around the corner, but it turned out to be a mirage."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"We are rushing headlong into the robotics revolution without consideration for the many unforeseen problems lying around the corner," Professor Sharkey said.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Spring lies around the corner.

The New York Times

He returned, excited by his discovery of what lay around the corner, on Nostrand Avenue.

The New York Times

We decided to have a quick peek at what lay around the corner from the main square, the Piazzetta.

The Guardian - Travel

In the meantime, anxious investors are left to wonder what other financial scandals lie around the corner.

The New York Times

Ms. McPherson's 1899 brownstone lies around the corner, and she likes to say that all her neighbors support the garden.

The New York Times

Besides from the majesty of the walkway you could never quite see what lay around the corner and you were drawn in as a result.

The Guardian

The restaurant lies around the corner from one of Mr. Hussein's pillared palaces, now the headquarters of the town's new rulers, the Fourth Infantry Division of the United States Army, whose tanks and armored vehicles ceaselessly thunder by.

The New York Times

Recessions tend to be short, and by the time one is widely acknowledged, they say, investors have often sold just in time to miss the recovery that lies around the corner.

The New York Times

The news of continuing violence throughout the country does not conjure up hope of a pending revolution; it recalls the terror of early and mid-1980s arousesuses fear for what lies around the corner.

The Guardian - Opinion

A visitor from outer space might look at an economy where house prices, consumer debt and spending continue to defy gravity, and wonder whether something nasty does not lie around the corner, and a few taxes should be raised.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "lying around the corner" in formal writing. Opt for more common and grammatically correct alternatives such as "just around the corner" or "nearby".

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "lying", which means being in a horizontal position or telling an untruth, with "laying", which means placing something down. The correct idiomatic expression is usually related to "lie" or "lay", but not in the form "lying around the corner".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lying around the corner" functions as a modifier, attempting to describe the location or imminence of something. However, as noted by Ludwig, it is not a standard or grammatically correct English expression. It seeks to convey a sense of nearness, similar to the idiom "just around the corner."

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "lying around the corner" attempts to convey the idea of something being nearby or imminent, it is not considered standard or grammatically correct in English. As Ludwig AI points out, it's better to opt for more common and accepted alternatives like "just around the corner" or "nearby". The phrase's rarity and grammatical issues make it a less effective choice for clear and professional communication. While it appears occasionally in News & Media, its use should be approached with caution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just around the corner

More idiomatic and common way to express nearness in time or distance.

nearby

A simple and direct way to indicate that something is not far away.

close by

Indicates proximity in location.

in the vicinity

Formal way to indicate that something is nearby.

in close proximity

Similar to "in the vicinity" but emphasizes closeness.

coming up

Indicates an event or occurrence that is about to happen.

approaching soon

Refers to something that will happen in the near future.

on the horizon

Suggests something is becoming apparent or imminent.

in the offing

Formal and somewhat archaic way of saying something is likely to happen soon.

within reach

Indicates something is easily accessible or achievable.

FAQs

What does "lying around the corner" mean?

The phrase "lying around the corner" is not a standard English idiom. It's likely intended to convey that something is nearby or imminent, but it's not a commonly used or grammatically correct expression. Alternatives like "just around the corner" are more appropriate.

How can I use "just around the corner" in a sentence?

You can use "just around the corner" to indicate that something is very close in proximity or time. For example: "The new restaurant is just around the corner" or "Spring is just around the corner."

What are some alternatives to "lying around the corner" that I can use?

Instead of "lying around the corner", you can use alternatives like "nearby", "approaching soon", or "in the vicinity" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "laying around the corner" instead of "lying around the corner"?

No, "laying around the corner" is also incorrect. If you are intending to use the phrase in similar context of "just around the corner", it should be "just around the corner".