What is the definition of the phrase “On the lam”?

When it’s said that someone is “on the lam from the law” or just “On the lam” what exactly does that mean? Well, if someone is “on the lam” it simply means that the person has left his or her normal residence to escape being caught by some form of authority – like the police, the FBI, CIA, Interpol, or whatever. The person is on the run from the law because they committed a crime for which they don’t want to be punished or persecuted for.

Synonym for “On the lam”?


Some synonyms for “on the lam” include “on the run” or “on the run from the law”. To refer to the person who is actually running from the law, you could use the term “fugitive” as a synonym.

Hiring? Job Hunting? Post a JOB or your RESUME on our JOB BOARD >>

Subscribe to our newsletter for more free interview questions.