lay down the lawORDER SOMEONE ABOUT/AROUND, tell someone what to do, ride roughshod over someone, boss someone about/around, throw one's weight about/around, push someone about/around
[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲
lay down the law v. phr. 1. To give strict orders.
The teacher lays down the law about homework every afternoon. 2. To speak severely or seriously about a wrongdoing; scold.
The principal called in the students and laid down the law to them about skipping classes. Compare: TELL ONE WHERE TO GET OFF.
[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲