The phrase "the lie of the land" is often used to describe the topography or physical features of an area. There are a number of synonyms that can be used to convey the same meaning, including "terrain," "landscape," "geography," "topology," and "ground." Each of these words has a slightly different connotation, with "terrain" typically referring to the natural features of an area such as mountains and rivers, while "landscape" often implies a more holistic view of an area that includes human-built structures. "Geography" tends to refer to the study of the physical features of the land, while "topology" emphasizes the relationships between different features. "Ground," meanwhile, is a more general term that can refer to any surface on which people or things might stand.