On the lam Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
WEBSep 20, 2024 · The meaning of ON THE LAM is trying to avoid being caught by the police. How to use on the lam in a sentence.
Where Does the Phrase 'On the Lam' Come From? - HowStuffWorks
WEBJun 7, 2024 · This American English idiom means "trying to avoid being caught by police," according to Merriam-Webster. But wait – what is a "lam"? And why is anyone on it? Does it have anything to do with riding baby sheep away from a crime scene? All great questions, and there's not a perfectly clear answer.
Understanding "on the lam" Idiom: Meaning, Origins & Usage ...
WEBThe phrase “on the lam” is an idiomatic expression that refers to a person who is on the run, trying to evade capture by law enforcement authorities. The origins of this phrase can be traced back to the early 20th century when it was commonly used in criminal circles.
expressions - Where does the phrase "on the lam" come from?
WEBMark Twain used it twice: ''lamming the lady'' in 1855 and ''lam like all creation'' in 1865, both clearly meaning ''to beat.'' The suggested connection is that to avoid a feared lamming (related to slamming), one lams.
ON THE LAM definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary
WEBIf someone is on the lam or if they go on the lam, they are trying to escape or hide from someone such as the police or an enemy. [ mainly US , informal ] He was on the lam for …
Why Do Criminals Go “On The Lam”? - Mental Floss
WEBNov 2, 2016 · The phrase on the lam first emerged in the late 19th century as to do a lam, a slang expression defined in an 1897 article in Popular Science as simply “to run.” (Alongside it, we’re told ...
On the lam - Idioms by The Free Dictionary
WEBIf someone is on the lam, they are trying to escape or hide from someone, for example the police or an enemy. He is currently on the lam, wanted for the sale and trafficking of cocaine. A Rhode Island banker accused of stealing millions has turned himself in after months on the lam.
How to Use On the lam Correctly - GRAMMARIST
WEBTo be on the lam is to escape, to flee justice, or to be in hiding from law enforcement. Examples. An accused East Coast mobster, on the lam for more than 10 years, was found by the FBI in an unlikely occupation and location. [New York Daily News] Mr. Israel, who went on the lam briefly, is currently serving a 22-year prison sentence.
“On The Lam” – Meaning & Origin (12 Helpful Examples)
WEBWhat Does “On The Lam” Mean? “On the lam” means “to escape.” “To lam” is a slang verb used to showcase this. It’s most prevalent in the case of escaping from the police, though it may appear in other situations too. Its origins date back to Old Norse, where the verb originally meant “to beat.”
On the Lam | What Does This Useful Idiom Mean? • 7ESL
WEBJun 17, 2024 · If you would like to know how the term ‘on the lam’ can be used during a conversation, here are some examples to show how it might sound. The first conversation is happening between two friends. Person 1: “Do you know where Ian is?” Person 2: “I think he went on the lam after his argument with his wife.”