ENGLISH
REFERENCE

gavel to order

idiom
Meaning

To initiate or restore the orderly functioning of (a meeting or function or assembly or court), usually by pounding a gavel or similar hammer.


Examples
SIMPLE

The judge hits the gavel to order the court.

CONTEXTUAL

The chairperson hit the gavel to order the meeting after the room became too noisy.

COMPLEX

Following the chaotic shouting match between the lawyers, the judge struck the gavel to order the proceedings back to a state of professional decorum.

Anchors to
Related idioms4entries
  1. 01

    in order

    In accordance with the procedural rules governing formal meetings of a deliberative body.

  2. 02

    put one's affairs in order

    To prepare for the end of, or a radical change in, one's life.

  3. 03

    put one's house in order

    To organize one's financial and other affairs, especially in preparation for a life-changing event.

  4. 04

    tall order

    A big job; a difficult challenge.

© 2026 English Reference