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。