# gavel to order

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/gavel-to-order
Updated: 2026-08-10

## 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

- 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.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.