PhrasesHub

The long arm of the law

    Definitions

      • the far-reaching power of the law
        Refers to the extensive authority and ability of law enforcement or the legal system to reach and catch criminals, no matter where they may try to hide

      • the influence of the law
        Indicates the impact and control of laws and regulations over people's actions and decisions, suggesting that they cannot escape the consequences of breaking the law

    Examples of The long arm of the law

    • Despite trying to flee the country with a large sum of stolen money, the notorious criminal found that the long arm of the law had caught up with him. He was caught at the border and brought back to face justice for his crimes.

      This idiom expresses the idea that the authorities, particularly law enforcement agencies, have a wide-reaching and all-encompassing power to bring criminals to justice, no matter where they try to run or hide. Here, it is evident that the criminal thought he could escape the law's grasp, but instead, the law's extensive powers caught up with him at the border, and he was returned to face punishment for his crimes.

    • The police are known for having the long arm of the law when it comes to catching criminals, and they consistently apply it to keep communities safe.

      This usage of the idiom illustrates that law enforcement agencies have an extensive reach and are capable of applying the law effectively and consistently to ensure the safety of the community. It emphasizes the importance of law enforcement in maintaining public safety and upholding the law.

    • As a result of the long arm of the law, the corrupt officials who had been embezzling funds were punished for their crimes and removed from their positions, restoring the public's faith in the justice system.

      This example demonstrates that the idiom's meaning implies the law's ability to enforce punishment on wrongdoers, which helps maintain public trust and preserve the integrity of the justice system. It signifies that the law has the power to confront and punish those who abuse their authority and undermine public trust, upholding justice and preserving the integrity of the legal system.

    • In an effort to combat corruption, the government implemented stricter laws and investigative measures that had a far-reaching impact, as the long arm of the law finally caught up with several high-profile offenders.

      This idiom refers to the idea that the law has the power to reach and punish anyone who breaks it, no matter where they may be or how far they try to hide. In this context, the idiom highlights how the government's efforts to fight corruption ultimately resulted in justice being served for those who had previously evaded punishment. The phrase "far-reaching impact" suggests that the effects of these measures were significant and far-reaching, in terms of both the number of people affected and the geographic scope of the legislation. Finally, the use of the phrase "high-profile offenders" emphasizes the seriousness and significance of the crimes being targeted by these new laws.

    • The convicted criminal thought he had escaped justice by fleeing the country, but the long arm of the law eventually caught up with him, as he was extradited back to face his charges.

      This example shows how the law's reach extends beyond national borders, as the criminal who thought he could evade punishment by leaving the country was ultimately brought back to stand trial. The use of the phrase "extradited back" illustrates the fact that the criminal was forcibly returned to face justice, emphasizing the legal authority's power to enforce its laws across international boundaries.

    • Despite his wealthy background and apparent invulnerability, the businessman found himself ensnared by the long arm of the law, which uncovered evidence of his financial misdeeds and brought him to trial.

      By using the words "wealthy background" and "apparent invulnerability," this example suggests that the accused is a person who is used to getting what they want and avoiding negative consequences. The phrase "financial misdeeds" highlights the specific type of wrongdoing that led to the accused's legal troubles. The use of the term "ensnared" implies that the accused was caught in a trap or snare, emphasizing the idea that the law can be a powerful and decisive force in catching and punishing those who break it.

    • Even in the face of powerful opponents with endless resources, the crusading journalist refused to be intimidated by the long arm of the law, which repeatedly attempted to silence her by accusing her of spreading false or incendiary information.

      This example illustrates the obstacles and challenges that can arise when someone is working to uncover truths or expose wrongdoing. By using phrases like "crusading journalist" and "powerful opponents," this example highlights the fact that the journalist was involved in a serious and contentious struggle for justice. The use of the word "intimidated" implies that the journalist was subjected to some degree of harassment or pressure as a result of her efforts. The phrase "accused her of spreading false or incendiary information" demonstrates the specific type of legal challenge that the journalist faced, as she was accused of spreading inaccurate or inflammatory information. Overall, this example serves to illustrate the fact that the long arm of the law can be a powerful force in both punishing wrongdoers and silencing those who seek to expose the truth, and that those who are committed to fighting for justice may face significant obstacles and challenges along the way.

    • Even in the desolate wilderness, the long arm of the law can reach us.

      This idiom refers to the fact that the authority of the law is far-reaching and extends to even remote and isolated places. It suggests that no one can escape the jurisdiction of the law, no matter how far they try to go. In this example, it implies that even in areas devoid of human settlement, law enforcement agencies have the power to enforce the law and bring criminals to justice. This idiom highlights the idea that the law is an essential component of any society and helps maintain order and justice. It also serves as a warning to those who would consider breaking the law that there are consequences, no matter where they are.


    Conclusion

    "The long arm of the law" is used to convey the idea that the law has extensive power and reach. It can be used to warn people about the consequences of breaking the law or to emphasize the influence of legal regulations on individuals' behavior.

    Origin of "The long arm of the law"

    The origin of the phrase "the long arm of the law" can be traced back to the early 20th century. The term "long arm" refers to the far-reaching ability of something to grasp or catch, while "the law" signifies the legal system and its enforcement. The idiom likely originated as a metaphor to illustrate the extensive authority and influence of law enforcement and the legal system.

    The concept behind the idiom is that the law has the capacity to reach and catch wrongdoers, no matter how far they may try to flee or hide. It emphasizes the idea that individuals cannot escape the consequences of their actions, as the law will eventually catch up with them. This imagery of the law as an entity with a long arm serves as a warning to potential wrongdoers and a reminder of the pervasive influence of legal regulations. Overall, the idiom "the long arm of the law" has become a widely recognized expression for the extensive power and influence of the legal system.