On the lam
Suggest a CorrectionMeaning
On the run or fleeing, all dodge.
Origin
From 19th-century America, tied to slang; 'lam' for beat or flee, by 1880s in a tale for run. A 1890s 'New York Times' uses it for a dodge.
Usage Examples
- He's on the lam; cops after him.
- On the lam; skipped town fast.
- Lam run; gone quick.
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