lie with

Idioms  

1. Be decided by, dependent on, or up to. For example, The choice of restaurant lies with you. Starting about 1300 this phrase meant “to have sexual intercourse with,” a usage that is now obsolete. [Late 1800s]

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Example Sentences

While backing France's right to impose such a ban, the European Commission in January said that any enforcement would lie with the European Union, provided the bill conforms to the bloc's laws.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

If there are risks to the deal’s survival, they lie with the failure of partners to live up to their obligations to open their markets.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 23, 2025

Paul Whiteman, the general secretary for school leaders' union NAHT, agreed that all teachers should be trained in how to support children with special educational needs but said the responsibility shouldn't just lie with schools.

From BBC • Sep. 17, 2025

So, yes, you could say my loyalties lie with Noah Wyle here.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2025

But his sons would not have it and they complained and said, “Shall our mother and grandfather lie with a servant? And must we also in our time?”

From "The Good Earth" by Pearl S. Buck