lay down the law
phrase
: to make a strong statement about what someone is or is not allowed to do
The agreement lays down the law (to everyone) on what the group allows.
When she came home after midnight, her father laid down the law: if she came home that late again, she would not be allowed to watch TV for a month.
Video
Lay vs. Lie
Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference.
Cite this Entry
“Lay down the law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lay%20down%20the%20law. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
