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to lay down the law
01
to tell people what to do in a forceful and authoritative manner
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What is the origin of the idiom "lay down the law" and when to use it?
The origin of the idiom "lay down the law" can be traced back to the legal system and the concept of judges or legal authorities establishing rules or pronouncing judgments. The phrase likely emerged from the idea that when a judge "lays down the law," they are asserting their authority to provide a definitive interpretation of the law and set the guidelines for behavior or resolution. It is often employed in situations where there is a need to maintain order, resolve conflicts, or ensure compliance.
Example
The parents decided it was time to lay down the law and establish clear boundaries for their teenager's behavior.
The judge laid down the law in the courtroom, delivering a stern verdict and sentencing the defendant accordingly.
The teacher had to lay down the law in the classroom to maintain order and ensure that students followed the rules.
As the team captain, she laid down the law and set strict guidelines for practice and discipline.
The new supervisor wasted no time in laying down the law, making it clear that punctuality and productivity were non-negotiable.
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