lay down the marker
To set the standard.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The team laid down the marker with their first big win.”
“By finishing the project two weeks early, she laid down the marker for the rest of the department to follow.”
“The young athlete laid down the marker for his competitors by shattering the world record during his very first race of the season.”
- 01
a wild goose never laid a tame egg
Most things are inherited and predetermined.
- 02
best laid plans
A proverbial expression used to signify the futility of making detailed plans when the ability to fully or even partially execute them is uncertain.
- 03
kill the goose that lays the golden eggs
To seek short-term gain at the sacrifice of long-term profit.
- 04
lay a finger on
To merely touch.
- 05
lay an anchor to the windward
To adopt precautionary or anticipatory measures for potential future success or security.
- 06
lay an egg
To produce a failure or flop; to do something which is unsuccessful.
- 07
lay at someone's door
To blame (a problem) on someone; to hold someone responsible for (something).
- 08
lay by the heels
To fetter, to shackle; to imprison.
Last updated August 10, 2026