lay of the land

The lay of the land made it difficult to build a road.

He studied the lay of the land before choosing a campsite.

The lay of the land suggested it was a good spot for farming.

The soldiers examined the lay of the land before advancing.

Let me check the lay of the land before we make any decisions.

She spent her first week learning the lay of the land.

What's the lay of the land at your new job?

You need to understand the lay of the land before investing.

He quickly figured out the lay of the land.