Therein lies…
phrase
Used to point out or highlight the main issue, problem or fact in a situation.
The work pays well but is unfulfilling and therein lies the problem: I need the money but I'm unhappy.
Often appears as...
- therein lies the problem
- therein lies the truth
phrase
Indicates that something is located in a particular place or thing.
She placed her faith in him, and therein lies her biggest mistake.
Often appears as...
- therein lies the mistake
- therein lies the secret
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Used to point out or highlight the main issue, problem or fact in a situation.
The work pays well but is unfulfilling and therein lies the problem: I need the money but I'm unhappy.
Often appears as...
- therein lies the problem
- therein lies the truth
phrase
Indicates that something is located in a particular place or thing.
She placed her faith in him, and therein lies her biggest mistake.
Often appears as...
- therein lies the mistake
- therein lies the secret
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Issue Highlighting
Use 'therein lies...' when you want to emphasize the key problem within a complex situation.
Many diets fail to provide long-term results, and therein lies their fundamental flaw.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Weight
'Therein lies...' often carries an emotional charge, hinting at disappointment, irony, or revelation.
He promised transparency, yet hid the truth, and therein lies the betrayal.
Pro Tip 3/3Subtle Contrasts
It can subtly highlight contrasts or comparisons between facts or situations.
You see adventure where I see risk, and therein lies our disagreement.
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