to lie in ambush; to conceal the truth
Meanings
2 senses · 7 examplesverb
to lie in ambush; to set an ambush
Originates from military tactics, meaning to hide and wait for the enemy to appear before launching a surprise attack.
The company commander ordered a platoon of soldiers to set an ambush in the canyon.
We'll lie in ambush here and wait for the enemy to enter the encirclement.
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The guerrilla force set an ambush deep in the jungle and successfully ambushed the Japanese troops.
verb
to conceal; to hold back; to hide the real situation
informalUsed metaphorically to describe withholding information, resources, or problems, often with a negative connotation of dishonesty.
This budget has hidden problems and needs to be carefully reviewed.
When reporting to his superiors, he concealed some key data.
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The company's financial report may have hidden issues, and investors should be cautious.
Don't hold back in the report; lay out all the problems openly.