Lay down the law.
/leɪ daʊn ðə lɔː/
Lay down the law.
/leɪ daʊn ðə lɔː/
To lay down the law means to clarify what is allowed and what isn't, setting clear, non-negotiable rules. It's like drawing a line in the sand that others are not permitted to cross. This idiom is commonly used in situations where control needs to be asserted to maintain order, be it at home, in school, or within organizations.
The new manager laid down the law during his first meeting.
The new manager established strict rules during his first meeting.
She had to lay down the law about late submissions.
She had to enforce strict rules about late submissions.
Parents lay down the law to ensure their children understand the boundaries.
Parents enforce strict rules to ensure their children understand the boundaries.