en_tn/jdg/16/12.md

The Philistines are upon you

The phrase "upon you" means that they are there to capture him. Alternate translation: "The Philistines are here to capture you" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom)

lying in wait

This means that they were hiding and waiting for the right moment to attack. Alternate translation: "waiting to attack him" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom)

like they were a piece of thread

The author describes how easily Samson broke the ropes by comparing it to him breaking a piece of thread. Alternate translation: "as easily as if they were only a piece of thread" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile)