What is on the lam?

Being "on the lam" is an informal idiom that means to be fleeing from the law or otherwise evading capture by authorities. It suggests a person is running away, typically because they have committed a crime or are wanted for questioning.

The phrase usually implies a degree of urgency and desperation, suggesting the person is trying to avoid being caught at all costs. It often paints a picture of someone living a transient lifestyle, constantly moving and trying to remain undetected.

The term is typically used in a criminal context, referring to fugitives from justice.