核心句型：
It's better to get the lay of the land before investment.

投资前先了解一下情况比较好。

get the lay of the land 直译过来就是：“了解这块地的地形地貌”，这个短语的正确意思是：“了解一下情况”。因此，当美国人说"It's better to get the lay of the land before investment."时，他/她要表达的意思就是:"It's better to know the crucial information before investment."、"It's better to get familiar with the development before investment."。

情景对白：
Terry: I'm interested in the forestry industry, so I am considering investing in listed forestry stocks.

泰瑞：我对林业的发展很感兴趣，所以正考虑着投资上市林业公司股票。

Benjamin: It's better to get the lay of the land before investment.

本杰明：投资前先了解一下情况比较好。

搭配句积累：
①You should prepare to minimize the risks.

你应该做好准备，将风险降到最低。

②Blind investment may lead to a series of serious consequences.

盲目投资会导致一系列的严重后果。

③Would you introduce this project thoroughly?

您能全面地介绍一下这个项目吗?

④Yes, exactly. I will take it into consideration.

对，确实是这样，我会认真考虑的。