long arm of the law

Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word long arm of the law. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word long arm of the law, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say long arm of the law in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word long arm of the law you have here. The definition of the word long arm of the law will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition oflong arm of the law, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.

English

Pronunciation

  • Audio (AU)(file)

Noun

long arm of the law

  1. (idiomatic, almost always preceded by the) The influence or effectiveness of law enforcement institutions; law enforcement officers collectively.
    • 1889, Wilkie Collins, chapter 60, in The Legacy of Cain:
      It is my belief that I could have felt no greater dismay, if the long arm of the Law had laid its hold on me while he was speaking.
    • 1979 September 3, “Pass the Buck”, in Time‎, archived from the original on 1 September 2010:
      The long arm of the law does not protect banks the way it used to.
    • 2008 September 12, Lisa Rein, “Jurisdictions Share Data on Ex-Offenders”, in Washington Post‎:
      "Repeat violent offenders will hopscotch over state lines to avoid the long arm of the law," said Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley.

Translations

Wikious
Boobota
Sagapedia