What does “Lay down the law” mean?
"Lay down the law" means to establish rules or give authoritative instructions.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The teacher laid down the law on the first day of class.
Example
The boss laid down the law about punctuality in the office.
Example
The coach laid down the law regarding discipline on the team
Is “Lay down the law” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Lay down the law” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Lay down the law” effectively in context?
You can use "Lay Down the Law" to describe a situation where someone establishes rules or gives authoritative instructions. It implies a sense of authority and strictness. For example, if a parent sets clear boundaries for their child, you might say, 'They really laid down the law.'
- 1Parenting
When the children started misbehaving, the parents laid down the law and implemented a new set of household rules.
- 2Workplace
The manager laid down the law about office etiquette and emphasized the importance of professionalism.
- 3Sports
The coach laid down the law regarding discipline and made it clear that any misconduct would not be tolerated.
Similar phrases to “Lay down the law”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Lay down the law” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Lay Down the Law" is unknown.
Is “Lay down the law” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Lay Down the Law" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe situations where rules are established or authoritative instructions are given.
What tone does “Lay down the law” have?
"Lay Down the Law" conveys a tone of authority and strictness. It suggests that someone is taking charge and setting clear expectations.
Can “Lay down the law” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Lay Down the Law" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes the act of establishing rules or giving authoritative instructions. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as meetings or professional discussions.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The teacher laid down the law and set the classroom rules.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "lay down the law"!' to imply taking charge or setting rules.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- establish the rules
- enforce the rules
- give orders
- take control
- assert authority
Antonyms
- go with the flow
- be lenient
- allow flexibility
- give freedom
- be permissive
