the long arm of the law
The far-reaching power and influence of the law, esp the police force
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Main Entry: ↑arm
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used to refer to the criminal justice system as far-reaching
act now before the long arm of the law catches up with you
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the long arm of the law
: the ability of the police to find and catch people who commit crimes
The long arm of the law finally caught up with him [=the police caught him] 30 years later.
So far, she's been able to escape the long arm of the law.
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Main Entry: ↑arm
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Main Entry: ↑law
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Main Entry: ↑long
Useful english dictionary. 2012.