lay down the law
Assert firm authority
To lay down the law is to state rules or expectations with firm authority, brooking no argument: Mom laid down the law about curfew.
The phrase often implies an authoritative or bossy manner—someone asserting control rather than inviting discussion: He came in and immediately started laying down the law about how things would be done.
Severely warn of consequences
- draw a lineEstablish a boundary point
- have it outResolve dispute through confrontation
- clear the airDispel tension through discussion
- have wordsArgue with someone
final warning · enough is enough · last straw · showdown · face the music · moment of truth · come to Jesus · lay it on the line
Begin leading a situation
- call the shotsExercise ultimate authority
- wear the pantsHold domestic authority
- run the showControl an operation
- take controlBegin directing things
brook no argument · rule the roost · crack the whip · hold sway · take command
Adopted principle of action
- mandateFormal authoritative directive
- directiveFormal command or instruction
- protocolPrescribed conduct rules
- performance standardsCriteria defining acceptable work
code of conduct · employee handbook · chain of command · standard procedure · disciplinary action · written warning · probation · termination
Enacted written rule
- legislationOfficial enactment of statutes
- ordinanceOfficial government regulation
- regulationOfficial rules governing conduct
- codifyOrganize into formal rules
enact · decree · judicial ruling · precedent · court order · injunction · prosecute · adjudicate
Define acceptable behavior limits
- groundSolid surface underfoot
- disciplineTrained self-control or specialty
- time-outTemporary halt in activity
- consequencesResults of actions taken
curfew · house rules · no means no · tough love · parental authority · chores · expectations · accountability
read the riot act
Severely warn of consequences
- draw a lineEstablish a boundary point
- have it outResolve dispute through confrontation
- clear the airDispel tension through discussion
have words · final warning · enough is enough · last straw · showdown · face the music · moment of truth · come to Jesus · lay it on the line · no nonsense
take charge
Begin leading a situation
- call the shotsExercise ultimate authority
- wear the pantsHold domestic authority
- run the showControl an operation
take control · brook no argument · rule the roost · crack the whip · hold sway · take command
policy
Adopted principle of action
- mandateFormal authoritative directive
- directiveFormal command or instruction
- protocolPrescribed conduct rules
performance standards · code of conduct · employee handbook · chain of command · standard procedure · disciplinary action · written warning · probation · termination · insubordination
statute
Enacted written rule
- legislationOfficial enactment of statutes
- ordinanceOfficial government regulation
- regulationOfficial rules governing conduct
codify · enact · decree · judicial ruling · precedent · court order · injunction · prosecute · adjudicate · rule of law
set boundaries
Define acceptable behavior limits
- groundSolid surface underfoot
- disciplineTrained self-control or specialty
- time-outTemporary halt in activity
consequences · curfew · house rules · no means no · tough love · parental authority · chores · expectations · accountability · structure
- powerauthority, electric power, nuclear power, solar power, wind power
- punishmentsjail, prison, timeout, grounded, fine
lay down the lawgo with the flow
Accept situations without resistance
turn a blind eye · let someone off the hook · look the other way · cave in · capitulate
lay down the lawhint
Indirect suggestion
drop a hint · beat around the bush · tiptoe around · hedge · soft-pedal
down, layer, lawyer, lawful, laying, lawless, unlawful, lawyers, layman