The phrase "lay the land" implies a sense of order or organization, which can be conveyed through antonyms such as confusion, chaos, or disorder. Using these antonyms, one could phrase the idea as "the land was in disarray" or "the situation was chaotic." Alternatively, one could use antonyms that connote a lack of direction or purpose, such as aimlessness or wanderlust. These alternatives might suggest phrasing such as "the land lacked clear direction" or "there was no sense of purpose to the situation." By using these antonyms, one can convey a different tone and meaning to the situation described.