arrest

Am I under arrest?

Said when one is trying to determine if the police will take them into custody. A: "Oh my God, am I under arrest?" B: "What? No, I'm just giving you a parking ticket."

under arrest

In police custody, as after committing a crime. The policeman stated that the criminal was under arrest and then handcuffed him.

See also: arrest

*under arrest

arrested and in the custody of the police in preparation for the filing of a charge. (*Typically: be ~; put someone ~.) Stop where you are! You are under arrest! Am I under arrest, officer? What did I do?

See also: arrest

under arrest

In police custody, as in They put him under arrest and charged him with stealing a car. [Late 1300s]

See also: arrest