IdiomDaily Life
English
Englishlay down the law
Meaning: To set rules and regulations.
Example: “When the noise continued past midnight, the landlord laid down the law.”
Equivalents in other languages
French: Faire le gendarme Literally: To play the policeman
Persian: گربه را دم حجله کشتن (gorbe rā dam-e hejle koshtan) Literally: To kill the cat at the wedding-chamber door
Origin: Read (someone) the riot act implies more noisy anger against a past action than lay down the law, which implies stern instruction governing future behavior.
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- the lion's share The greater part; most.
- lock, stock and barrel Everything; the entirety.
- the long and short of it The outcome; the point.
Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults
Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.
- Eres un aguafiestas You're a killjoy — you pour cold water on everyone's fun the moment you arrive.
- ¡Qué cara más dura! You've got incredible nerve and cheek — the audacity is almost impressive.
- Es un/una pesado/a A dreadful bore — their company feels like carrying extra weight.
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