Synonyms for the phrase "how the land lies" can include phrases like "what the situation is," "what's going on," "what the lay of the land is," or "what's the state of affairs." All of these expressions convey a sense of wanting to know more about the current circumstances, whether it be regarding a situation, a project, or even a relationship. These synonyms are often used when seeking information about a particular topic or when trying to get a better understanding of a given situation, and can be used both in casual conversation and in more formal or professional contexts.