The term 'Lays Down the Law' is an idiom that means to make a rule or decree. This phrase can be broken down into two crossword solutions: DECREES (7 letters) and SAYSSO (6 letters). DECREES refers to a formal order issued by a person in authority, while SAYSSO is an expression used to emphasize a point or opinion. Together, these two words form the phrase 'Lays Down the Law, ' which is often used to describe someone who is making a rule or decree.