marker

lay down the marker

To set an authoritative example or standard for others to follow. By intervening in this conflict, our country shall lay down the marker that terrorism cannot and will not go unpunished in any corner of the Earth. Her breakthrough research laid down the marker for geneticists for decades to come.

See also: down, lay, marker

put down a marker

To publicly demonstrate to others what one is capable of or intends to do. The president was quick to put down a marker about his plans regarding a tax overhaul for middle-class workers. This opening match was a chance to put down a marker within the league. Unfortunately, we didn't meet our own expectations yesterday.

See also: down, marker, put

put down a marker

COMMON If you put down a marker, you do something that shows people what you are capable of, or what you intend to do in the future. Bates has certainly put down a marker of intent in his ambitions for the title. Note: Verbs such as set and lay can be used instead of put. St Mel's, winners of more titles than any other team, have set down a marker for those who might hope to beat them later in the season.

See also: down, marker, put

marker

n. a personal promissory note; an IOU. Bart signed a marker for $3,000 and handed it to Sam.