How to Pronounce "lay down the law"
expression
ˈɫeɪ/ /ˈdaʊn/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈɫɑ/, /ˈɫɔ
LAY DOWN thuh LAW
lˈeɪ/ /dˈaʊn/ /ðə, ði/ /lˈɔː
LAY DOWN thuh LAW
Definition
To tell people very clearly and firmly what the rules are, especially in an authoritative way.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈɫeɪ/ /ˈdaʊn/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈɫɑ/, /ˈɫɔ
British English
lˈeɪ/ /dˈaʊn/ /ðə, ði/ /lˈɔː
Simplified Pronunciation
US
LAY DOWN thuh LAW
UK
LAY DOWN thuh LAW
Listen in Context
The teacher had to lay down the law about homework.
My mom always lays down the law at home.
The boss decided to lay down the law about being late.
When things got out of control, she really had to lay down the law.