Lies in ultimate distress, possibly (5)
I believe the answer is:
rests
'lies' is the definition.
('rest' can be a synonym of 'lie')
I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for rests that I've seen before include "Musical pauses" , "Relaxes; supports" , "Takes a break" , "holidays" , "Pauses; relaxes" .)