long arm of the law, the
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.
See also: arm, law, long, of
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
long arm of the law, the
The far-reaching power of the authorities. For example, You'll never get away with leaving work early; the long arm of the law is bound to catch you . This expression began as Kings have long arms (or hands) and was listed as a proverb in 1539. The current version, now often used lightly, was first recorded in 1908.
See also: arm, long, of
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
- long arm of the law
- the long arm of the law
- long arm
- the long arm of coincidence
- governments have long arms
- kings have long arms
- kings have long hands
- turn of fate
- twist of fate
- make good your escape