long arm: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, journalistic, literary
Quick answer
What does “long arm” mean?
A literal long arm.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A literal long arm; also, extended reach or influence, especially of authority or law.
Figuratively, the far-reaching power of an institution, especially the law or government, to exert control or influence over people or events at a distance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The idiom is equally common and understood in both varieties.
Connotations
Connotes inevitability, pervasive power, and inescapable justice or control. Can have a slightly negative connotation when referring to overreach.
Frequency
Moderate frequency in formal writing and news media in both regions. Slightly more common in American legal and political discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “long arm” in a Sentence
the long arm of [NOUN (abstract/institution)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “long arm” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - 'long arm' is not used as a verb.
American English
- N/A - 'long arm' is not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A - 'long arm' is not used as an adverb.
American English
- N/A - 'long arm' is not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- N/A - 'long arm' is not used attributively as a compound adjective.
American English
- N/A - 'long arm' is not used attributively as a compound adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could be used in regulatory contexts: 'Companies operating globally must be aware of the long arm of international tax law.'
Academic
Used in political science, history, and sociology to discuss state power and influence.
Everyday
Uncommon in casual conversation. Used when discussing crime, justice, or remarkable coincidences.
Technical
Not typically used in technical fields outside of legal discourse.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “long arm”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “long arm”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “long arm”
- Using it in the plural ('long arms').
- Using it without the definite article 'the'.
- Applying it to a person's literal physical attribute in a non-idiomatic context where it would sound odd.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It can be a literal description of a person's physical arm. It becomes an idiom in the set phrase 'the long arm of...' (e.g., the law, coincidence).
It is non-standard. The established idiom is almost exclusively in the singular: 'the long arm of the law'.
It is neutral to formal. It is common in news reports, legal discussions, and literature, but would sound overly dramatic in very casual conversation.
By far the most common is 'the long arm of the law'. Other collocations like 'the long arm of coincidence' are also established but less frequent.
A literal long arm.
Long arm: in British English it is pronounced /ˌlɒŋ ˈɑːm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌlɔːŋ ˈɑːrm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the long arm of the law”
- “the long arm of coincidence”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a police officer with a literal arm stretching across a city to arrest a criminal. This image captures the idiom's meaning of far-reaching authority.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTHORITY/INFLUENCE IS A PHYSICAL EXTREMITY (that can grasp things at a distance).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the phrase 'long arm' MOST likely to be used idiomatically?