lay down the law
The phrase "lay down the law" is often used to describe situations where someone is asserting authority or control, typically in a strict or uncompromising manner.
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Definition
B2General
(idiomatic, informal)To assert control by giving strict orders or rules.
Example
- The new manager quickly laid down the law, making it clear that there would be no more late arrivals.
- Parents often have to lay down the law to ensure their children follow household rules.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "lay down the law":
put one's foot downlay intolay downset downlay on the linelay outlaw unto oneselfslap downlower the boom