sheriff

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sheriff's picture frame

obsolete The gallows. Many a knave has been placed in the sheriff's picture frame for less than the crime of which you have been accused, my young fellow.

there's a new sheriff in town

A new figure of power and authority is now present, and they are going to be more forceful, effective, or strict. A: "Our last manager didn't make us log our hours in such detail like this." B: "Yeah, well, there's a new sheriff in town, and that's the way I want it done." The incoming district attorney made it clear that there was a new sheriff in town, and she was aiming to clean up the streets.