lam
lam
Flight or escape from someone or something, typically as a fugitive from law enforcement. This term is usually used in the phrase "on the lam." Unless you want to be thrown in jail, your best option is to go on the lam.
lam into (someone or something)
To attack someone or something with sweeping or thrashing blows. The principal is facing criminal charges after lamming into a student who had been caught defacing school property. He lammed into the horses pulling the carriage with his whip.
See also: lam
on the lam
Attempting to avoid capture, typically as a fugitive from law enforcement; on the run. The escaped convicts have been on the lam for a week, with no leads as to their whereabouts.
See also: lam, on
take it on the lam
To make an escape or go on the run (from police or punishment). I really think you should turn yourself in. The judge is going to be much less lenient if you take it on the lam. A witness saw the two bank robbers taking it on the lam in a beat-up old station wagon.
See also: lam, on, take
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
lam into (someone or an animal)
Fig. to attack someone or an animal. Paul was so angry that he lammed into his friend and struck him in the side. The angry coachman lammed into the poor horses.
See also: lam
on the lam
running from the police. (Underworld.) Richard has been on the lam for a week now. The gang leader broke out of prison and is still on the lam.
See also: lam, on
take it on the lam
Sl. to get out of town; to run away. (Underworld.) Both crooks took it on the lam when things got hot. Walt knew that the time had come to take it on the lam.
See also: lam, on, take
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
on the lam
Running away, especially from the police, as in He's always in some kind of trouble and perpetually on the lam. The origin of this slangy term of the 1800s is not known.
See also: lam, on
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
on the lam
mainly AMERICAN, INFORMALIf 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. Note: `Lam' is an American slang word meaning running away.
See also: lam, on
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
on the lam
in flight, especially from the police. North American informalSee also: lam, on
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
on the ˈlam
(American English, informal) escaping from somebody, especially from the police: The man disappeared just before he was due to go to jail and has been on the lam ever since.See also: lam, on
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
on the lam
(...læm) mod. running from the police. (Underworld.) When the boss found out you was on the lam, he got real mad.
See also: lam, on
take it on the lam
tv. to get out of town; to run away. (Underworld.) Bruno knew that the time had come to take it on the lam.
See also: lam, on, take
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
- on the run
- on the lam
- eggs is eggs
- from my cold, dead hands
- (one's) best foot forward
- best foot forward
- How long is a piece of string?
- how/what about...?
- how about
- (as) sure as eggs (is eggs)