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Region: General | Usage example: The coach laid down the law before practice.

Lay down the law

Meaning

Give strict instructions or enforce rules.

Usage

Used when authority figures set boundaries.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Legal language about enforcing rules.

Used widely in parent and supervisor contexts since the 19th century.

Related Idioms

Down to the wire

Until the very last moment.

Caught with your pants down

Surprised while unprepared.

Go down in flames

Fail spectacularly.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.