# lay down the marker

idiom

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

## Meaning

To set the standard.

## Examples

- 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.

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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.