# lay down the law

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/lay-down-the-law
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To authoritatively or dogmatically assert what is permitted or not permitted.

## Examples

- My boss laid down the law about office hours.
- The teacher had to lay down the law when the students started talking during the exam.
- After weeks of chaos in the department, the new manager finally laid down the law regarding professional conduct and attendance.

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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.