# the Sweeney

idiom · Slang

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/the-sweeney
Updated: 2026-06-07

## Meaning

Flying Squad , a special division of the Metropolitan Police ; used as the title of TV series The Sweeney

## Examples

- The Sweeney arrived quickly to catch the bank robbers.
- The local officers called for support from The Sweeney when the high-speed chase entered the city center.
- Known for their aggressive tactics in pursuing armed criminals, The Sweeney became a legendary unit within the Metropolitan Police force.

## Origin

via Sweeney Todd

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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.