gavel to order
To initiate or restore the orderly functioning of (a meeting or function or assembly or court), usually by pounding a gavel or similar hammer.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The judge hits the gavel to order the court.”
“The chairperson hit the gavel to order the meeting after the room became too noisy.”
“Following the chaotic shouting match between the lawyers, the judge struck the gavel to order the proceedings back to a state of professional decorum.”
- 01
get one's marching orders
To be dismissed disgracefully.
- 02
in order
In accordance with the procedural rules governing formal meetings of a deliberative body.
- 03
put one's affairs in order
To prepare for the end of, or a radical change in, one's life.
- 04
put one's house in order
To organize one's financial and other affairs, especially in preparation for a life-changing event.
- 05
tall order
A big job; a difficult challenge.
- 06
what the doctor ordered
Exactly what is necessary or useful in a given situation; something very beneficial or desirable.
Last updated August 10, 2026