long arm of the law
Also found in: Acronyms.
the long arm of the law
The broad, far-reaching power or influence of the police or legal system. He may have eluded us for now, but he won't escape the long arm of the law for long. The long arm of the law is finally wrapping its fingers around these corrupt politicians.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
long arm of the law
Fig. the police; the law. The long arm of the law is going to tap you on the shoulder some day, Lefty. The long arm of the law finally caught up with Gert.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
the long arm of the law
People use the long arm of the law to describe the power of the police and the legal system to find and punish criminals. He was determined that Laing would not escape the long arm of the law and drove him directly to a police station.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
the long (or strong) arm of the law
the police seen as a far-reaching or intimidating power.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
the long arm of the ˈlaw
the ability of the police and the legal system to find criminals and punish them: You have to be a very clever criminal to escape the long arm of the law.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
long arm of the law
n. the police; the law. (see also arm.) The long arm of the law is going to tap you on the shoulder some day, Lefty.
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.