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Showing results for long arm. Search instead for long-armed.

long arm

American  

noun

  1. a long pole fitted with any of various devices, as a hook or clamp, for performing tasks otherwise out of reach.


long arm British  

noun

  1. power, esp far-reaching power

    the long arm of the law

  2. to reach out for something, as from a sitting position

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

But even here, the long arm of the crisis is visible, with the TV reception periodically freezing, triggering loud groans from supporters clad in the yellow Brazilian jerseys of stars Vinicius Junior, Neymar and others.

From Barron's Jun. 14, 2026

Among the more classic dissidents is Badiucao, a Melbourne-based artist with firsthand experience of how far the long arm of the Party can extend.

From BBC Apr. 19, 2026

The nation’s multilayered historical background has been variously stamped by a basic Arabic heritage, ineradicable remnants of protracted Ottoman Turkish rule and the long arm of the British colonial empire.

From The Wall Street Journal Oct. 24, 2025

“The trial demonstrates that no matter what, the long arm of justice can always catch the perpetrator,” Ceesay told The Associated Press.

From Seattle Times May 15, 2024

So Arm lay on his stomach and stretched his long arm toward the little bag.

From "The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm" by Nancy Farmer

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