Crossword Genius

Don't get out of bed. Hold back, then get ready to ambush (3,2,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

lie in wait

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'ambush' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'don't get out of bed hold back then get ready' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'hold' could be 'wait' (synonyms) and 'wait' is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'liein' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for lie in wait that I've seen before include "prepared for attack!" , "Hope to catch" , "Lurk" , "Plan to attack" , "remain hidden while preparing to attack" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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