English Idioms

Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms

Long arm of the law

Meaning

The idiom "long arm of the law" refers to the legal system or authorities that have significant power or influence, especially in criminal matters. It suggests that the reach of the law is far-reaching and can extend to all corners of society. In contemporary language, the term is often used metaphorically to describe those in positions of power who wield authority over others.

Usage

  • The police officer's long arm of the law ensured that the criminals were brought to justice.
  • The CEO's long arm of the law allowed her company to expand rapidly without regard for the environment or social justice.
  • The government's long arm of the law was invoked to suppress dissent and silence criticism.
  • The judge's long arm of the law ensured that the guilty were punished fairly and swiftly.
  • The military's long arm of the law allowed them to enforce their policies without resistance from civilian authorities.

Roots and History

The idiom "long arm of the law" has its roots in medieval Europe, where feudal lords used their authority to maintain order and justice in their domains. The term likely refers to the physical distance that a lord's influence could extend, as well as the power they had to enforce their laws through physical force. Over time, the idiom evolved to refer to the legal system as a whole, rather than just individual lords or authorities.

Synonyms in English

  • Long reach of the law
  • Far arm of justice
  • Wide net of the law
  • Extensive influence of the legal system
  • Significant power of the legal authorities

Synonyms in other languages

  • 法律力量 (Fǎlǜ lìngqì) - Chinese (literal translation: "power of the law")
  • La longue main de la loi (La longue main de la loi) - French ("the long arm of the law")
  • L'armé du droit (L'armée du droit) - French ("the army of the law")
  • La mano lunga della legge (La mano lunga della legge) - Italian ("the long arm of the law")
  • El brazo largo de la ley (El brazo largo de la ley) - Spanish ("the long arm of the law")

Similar Idioms