Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
lay down the law
idiomatic expression
/leɪ daʊn ðə lɔː/
Definition
To assertively explain or impose rules or expectations.
Examples
- When the project was falling behind, the manager had to lay down the law to meet the deadline.
- After the argument, she decided it was time to lay down the law about household responsibilities.
Meaning
This phrase is commonly used to indicate that someone is making their authority clear, often by telling others what they must do or how they should behave.
Synonyms
- establish rules
- set the ground rules
- make demands
