# take it on the lam

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/take-it-on-the-lam
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To escape.

## Examples

- The thief took it on the lam before the police arrived.
- 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.

## Origin

From on the lam.

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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.
