long arm of the law, the

the long arm of the law

The broad, far-reaching power or influence of the police or legal system. He may have eluded us for now, but he won't escape the long arm of the law for long. The long arm of the law is finally wrapping its fingers around these corrupt politicians.See also: arm, law, long, of

long arm of the law, the

The far-reaching power of the authorities. For example, You'll never get away with leaving work early; the long arm of the law is bound to catch you . This expression began as Kings have long arms (or hands) and was listed as a proverb in 1539. The current version, now often used lightly, was first recorded in 1908. See also: arm, long, of