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7 cze 2024 · Key Takeaways. The phrase "on the lam" means to avoid capture by fleeing from law enforcement. It originated in the late 19th century and was first used by pickpockets as a signal to escape from potential danger.
So this theory speculates that there's the verb lam first, attested by Mark Twain's use of the word in his books. Then possibly a new meaning evolved out of the verb: in order to not get lammed, one goes on the lam. Other theories also exist:
He was on the lam for 16 years before being arrested. If you're going to be on the lam , he'd thought, you might as well make the best of it. Went out through a tunnel, were on the lam for weeks.
If you say “on the lamb,” it means that someone is directly on top of a lamb, which is never going to be necessary to write about. Make sure you understand this difference before trying to use the saying yourself.
If 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.
11 paź 2024 · “On the lam” is an idiom that means someone is running away or fleeing from the authorities, often to avoid arrest or legal consequences. It refers to being on the run, typically used in the context of criminals or fugitives trying to escape law enforcement.
Meaning: If someone is on the lam, they are hiding from the police or authorities, especially to avoid arrest or prison. Country: International English | Subject Area: Police & Crime | Usage Type: Both or All Words Used. Contributor: Richard Flynn.
