put down a 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 is a chance to put down a marker within the league.
See also: down, marker, put
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

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
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
See also:
  • demonstrate
  • sharpie
  • demonstrate (something) to (one)
  • demonstrate to
  • lay down the marker
  • What does that prove?
  • show (one) the ropes
  • show someone the ropes
  • put (one) through (one's) facings
  • dry up
References in periodicals archive
STEPHEN FERRIS believes victory on Sunday will put down a marker for Ireland's position in world rugby.
FEAST OF STEPHEN
"There is big pressure to put down a marker for that Test jersey," said the 27-times capped Byrne.
BYRNE TARGETS LIONS TEST SPOT
"The first aim is to smash the Romanians because that would put down a marker for the World Cup as they are in our section.
"It would also put down a marker for the games against the Pacific Islanders and Australia over the following fortnight.
FRANK WANTS SMASHING TIME
MARK HUGHES last night saw Manchester City put down a marker in Europe and declared: Bring on Manchester United.
HUGHES: BRING ON UNITED; UEFA CUP
"We've not had many excursions into Europe but we've put down a marker."
BOSS: NOW BRING ON UNITED; UEFA CUP