the long arm of the law
US /ðə lɔŋ ɑrm əv ðə lɔ/
UK /ðə lɔŋ ɑrm əv ðə lɔ/
1.
the far-reaching power of the police or legal system
:
•
Criminals may try to hide, but the long arm of the law will eventually catch them.
•
Even across borders, the long arm of the law can reach those who commit crimes.