Be/lie at the bottom of something
verb
To be the real cause or the main reason for something.
They could never figure out what lies at the bottom of her aggressive behavior.
Often appears as...
- what lies at the bottom of
- she lies at the bottom of
verb
To be located at the deepest part of something.
The wreckage of the ship lies at the bottom of the sea.
Often appears as...
- lies at the bottom of the sea
- lies at the bottom of the ocean
verb
To be the real cause or the main reason for something.
They could never figure out what lies at the bottom of her aggressive behavior.
Often appears as...
- what lies at the bottom of
- she lies at the bottom of
verb
To be located at the deepest part of something.
The wreckage of the ship lies at the bottom of the sea.
Often appears as...
- lies at the bottom of the sea
- lies at the bottom of the ocean
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Uncover Hidden Causes
Used to reveal deep-seated reasons behind actions or situations.
He believed that selfishness lay at the bottom of their refusal to help.
Pro Tip 2/3Figurative Use
The phrase is often used metaphorically and not to be taken literally.
Curiosity is what lay at the bottom of her constant questioning.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Connotation
May imply a negative or serious underlying issue.
Jealousy lay at the bottom of his outburst.
Pro Tip 1/3Uncover Hidden Causes
Used to reveal deep-seated reasons behind actions or situations.
He believed that selfishness lay at the bottom of their refusal to help.
Pro Tip 2/3Figurative Use
The phrase is often used metaphorically and not to be taken literally.
Curiosity is what lay at the bottom of her constant questioning.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Connotation
May imply a negative or serious underlying issue.
Jealousy lay at the bottom of his outburst.
Pro Tip 1/3Uncover Hidden Causes
Used to reveal deep-seated reasons behind actions or situations.
He believed that selfishness lay at the bottom of their refusal to help.
Pro Tip 2/3Figurative Use
The phrase is often used metaphorically and not to be taken literally.
Curiosity is what lay at the bottom of her constant questioning.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Connotation
May imply a negative or serious underlying issue.
Jealousy lay at the bottom of his outburst.
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