The thief took it on the lam before the police arrived.
take it on the lam
idiomTo escape.
Origin
disputed originFrom on the lam.
After the robbery went wrong, the suspects took it on the lam to avoid being caught by the authorities.
Realizing that his deception was about to be exposed, he took it on the lam, leaving behind his reputation and his home.
- 01
be taken ill
To become ill.
- 02
cross to take up
Alternative form of cross to bear.
- 03
forget to take one's medication this morning
To be annoyed or irritable, or to behave in an ill-mannered way, particularly in the morning.
- 04
get taken in
To be fooled; to fall for.
- 05
give and take
A process of compromise or accommodation.
- 06
give someone an inch and someone will take a mile
Alternative form of give them an inch and they'll take a mile.
- 07
have one's name taken
To receive a yellow card.
- 08
I take it
Used to express one's understanding of another's position.
Last updated April 17, 2026