Where does the phrase on the lam come from?

According to the Online Etymological Dictionary, lam means: “flight,” as in on the lam, 1897, from a U.S. slang verb meaning “to run off” (1886), of uncertain origin, perhaps somehow from the first element of lambaste, which was used in British student slang for “beat” since 1590s.

What does take it on the lamb mean?

Definition of take it on the lam : to try to escape —used mainly to suggest or imitate the language of old movies about gangsters She stole a lot of money from her employer and took it on the lam.

What figurative language is on the lam?

If someone is on the lam, they are trying to escape or hide from someone, for example the police or an enemy. He is currently on the lam, wanted for the sale and trafficking of cocaine.

What does Lamb mean in slang?

a person who is gentle, meek, innocent, etc.: Their little daughter is such a lamb. a person who is easily cheated or outsmarted, especially an inexperienced speculator.

Why is the Dole called the brew?

5 Answers. On the brew means being unemployed or receiving unemployment benefits, and is similar to on the dole.

What does the phrase “on the Lam” mean?

“On the lam” means in “flight,” as in having “run off.” I guess one hears more about criminals or escaped prisoners being “on the lam.” Lam may have first appeared in the 16th Century and probably meant to “to beat soundly.”

How did the word “lam” evolve from beat to run away?

You might imagine “lam” evolving from beat to “run away,” by someone saying, “beat it,” as in beating the road with one’s feet by running.” The bottom line…literally “departure,” or “taking leave.” “In Texas we might say, “the criminal absconded, decamped, or bolted.

What does the Lamb of God mean in the Bible?

Lambs represent gentleness, purity, and innocence. Though it is one of the most tender images of Christ in the New Testament, the phrase “Lamb of God” would have conjured far more disturbing pictures to those who heard John the Baptist hail Jesus with these words.

What does “lambaste” mean in Texas?

The English word “lambaste” (to beat soundly) is said to come from the same word. You might imagine “lam” evolving from beat to “run away,” by someone saying, “beat it,” as in beating the road with one’s feet by running.” The bottom line…literally “departure,” or “taking leave.” “In Texas we might say, “the criminal absconded, decamped, or bolted.