lair
/leə/
Definition
- Noun:
- The den or resting place of a wild animal: A "lair" is a sheltered place, often a cave, hole, or thicket, where a wild animal lives, sleeps, or hides.
- (Figurative) A secret or private place for a person: Used metaphorically to describe a place where someone, especially someone with sinister intentions, hides or operates from.
Examples of Usage
- Noun (Animal's dwelling):
- The bear returned to its lair after hunting.
- Trackers followed the footprints to the wolf's lair.
- Noun (Figurative, human hideout):
- The thieves operated from a hidden lair in the old warehouse district.
- In the story, the villain had a secret lair inside the volcano.
Advanced Usage
- "to retire to one's lair": to go back to one's private or secluded place.
- After a long day of meetings, he retired to his lair to read.
- Used in literature and media to evoke a sense of danger, secrecy, or the primitive nature of a dwelling.
Variants and Related Words
- Den (n): A wild animal's lair; also a cozy human room. (e.g., )
- Hideout (n): A place where someone hides, especially from the authorities.
- Burrow (n): A hole or tunnel dug by a small animal as a dwelling.
Synonyms
- Den: Often interchangeable, though "den" can imply a cozier, more enclosed space.
- Habitat: The natural environment of an animal (broader than "lair").
- Hideaway: A place used for hiding or as a retreat.
Related Phrases
- "The lion's lair": A common phrase symbolizing a dangerous or powerful place one must enter.
- Entering the CEO's office felt like walking into the lion's lair.
Related Idioms
- "Beard the lion in his lair": To confront a powerful or dangerous person in their own domain.
- The journalist was determined to beard the corrupt official in his lair.
Noun
-
the habitation of wild animals
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