# long arm of the law

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/long-arm-of-the-law
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

The influence or effectiveness of law enforcement institutions; law enforcement officers collectively.

## Examples

- You cannot hide from the long arm of the law.
- Even though he fled to another country, the long arm of the law eventually caught up with him.
- Despite his elaborate efforts to conceal his financial crimes, the long arm of the law reached across borders to ensure he finally faced justice.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.