on the lam

idiom

Definition of on the lam

US, informal

: trying to avoid being caught by the police

two escaped convicts on the lam

Word by Word Definitions

lam play

: to beat soundly : thrash
: strike, thrash
: to flee hastily : scram

: sudden or hurried flight especially from the law

See the full definition of lam

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up on the lam? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

WORD OF THE DAY

voracity

play

the quality or state of being insatiable

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games