one’s word is law: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘one's word is law’ mean?
The idiom "one's word is law" means that a person's statement or promise is considered absolute and must be obeyed without question.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "take someone's word for it" means to believe or trust what someone says without requiring further proof or evidence.
The idiom "put one's money where one's mouth is" means to back up one's words or claims with actions or financial support.
The idiom "open one's mouth" means to start speaking or expressing an opinion. It implies breaking silence or sharing thoughts.
The idiom "one's lips are sealed" means to keep one's mouth shut and not reveal a secret or confidential information.
The idiom "one's bark is worse than one's bite" means that someone may sound or appear threatening, but they are not actually as dangerous or harmful as they seem.
The idiom *one and the same* means that two or more things or people are identical or indistinguishable from each other.
The idiom "one and only" means the unique or singular example of something or someone. It emphasizes that there is no other comparable or similar entity.
The idiom "one and all" means every single person or thing, without exception.
The idiom "of one mind" means to have the same opinion or to agree on something.
Unquestionable Authority
Someone's word is law is a powerful idiom that signifies the absolute authority and binding nature of an individual's promises or statements. This idiom reflects the trust, integrity, and influence that are associated with the concept of law. Throughout history, the idea of someone's word being as powerful as a law has played a significant role in society.
The idiom "my word" is closely related to the concept of one's word is law. When someone says "my word," they are emphasizing the reliability and trustworthiness of what they are saying. It implies that their statement is a binding commitment and can be taken at face value without any need for verification or doubt. This idiom highlights the importance of trust and credibility in communication.
Another related idiom is "take someone's word for it." This phrase expresses the act of believing or trusting what someone says without any evidence or proof. It signifies that the person's word holds enough authority and credibility to be accepted without question. When people say "take my word for it," they are asserting their trustworthiness and expertise in a particular matter.
The idiom "mark my words" is also closely connected to the idea of one's word is law. This phrase is commonly used to emphasize the certainty or importance of a statement. It suggests that the speaker is making a prediction or promise that should not be ignored or forgotten. By using this idiom, individuals emphasize the authority and influence of their words.
Additionally, the idiom "have the law of someone" is related to the concept of one's word is law. This phrase means to have control or power over someone. It suggests that a person's words or commands hold enough authority to influence the behavior or actions of others. When someone says "they have the law of me," they acknowledge the dominant position and authority that another person holds over them.
The idiom "one's word is law" conveys the idea that someone's promise or statement is considered absolute and binding. It reflects the trust, authority, and influence associated with the concept of law. The related idioms "my word," "take someone's word for it," "mark my words," and "have the law of someone" further emphasize the importance of trust, credibility, and authority in communication and relationships.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom one's word is law can be used in a sentence:
1. The boss declared that his decision was final and that his word was law.
2. As the captain of the team, his word is law when it comes to making decisions on the field.
3. In their family, the father's word is law, and everyone abides by his instructions without question.
More "Authority" idioms
