idiom
Lay Down the Law
lay DOWN the LAW
/leɪ daʊn ðə lɔː/Listen
Hear it in a clear American voice. Slow it down to catch each syllable.
Syllable breakdown
layDOWNtheLAW
Dictionary meaning
To speak or act with strong authority; to issue firm, non-negotiable rules or instructions that others are expected to follow.
Examples
- When the children started misbehaving, she laid down the law and set clear consequences.
- The new manager laid down the law about punctuality on his first day.
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