How Do You Spell ON THE LAM?

1. On the lam is an idiomatic expression that originated in American English and refers to the act of fleeing or escaping from custody, often to avoid arrest or prosecution. The phrase is commonly used to describe someone who is on the run from the authorities or evading capture.

   When an individual is "on the lam," they are actively seeking to elude capture, typically by hiding, changing identities, or constantly moving from one location to another. This phrase is often associated with criminals or suspects in criminal investigations who are trying to avoid being caught or apprehended by law enforcement personnel.

   "Being on the lam" suggests that the person is not only fleeing from capture but also attempting to maintain their freedom by evading detection. It implies a sense of urgency and secrecy due to the illegal nature of the circumstances surrounding their escape.

   The term "lam" itself derives from the Old Norse word "lamja," which means "to beat or thrash." This suggests that being "on the lam" originally referred to the act of escaping with haste, as if being chased and needing to run as fast as possible to avoid being caught.

   Overall, "on the lam" describes the act of escaping or evading capture, often in the context of criminal activities, and conveys a sense of urgency, secrecy, and the continuous effort to avoid being apprehended.

Common Misspellings for ON THE LAM

Idioms with the word ON THE LAM