1 C1 idiomatic slang
To escape or flee quickly, especially from the authorities.
"The thieves lammed off before the police arrived."
inseparable
lam off
C1 slang inseparable intransitive
To flee or escape quickly, especially from the authorities or from a difficult situation.
In plain English
To run away fast, usually to escape getting caught.
What does "lam off" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
'Lam' may derive from a Scandinavian word meaning to beat — 'lam off' suggests beating a quick path away from danger.
Actually means
To run away fast, usually to escape getting caught.
Usage tip
Rare in modern English. Related to the expression 'on the lam' (fleeing from justice). Primarily North American slang. Most native speakers would use 'make off', 'run off', or 'take off' instead.
Words that pair with "lam off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
police trouble scene creditors chase
How to conjugate "lam off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
lam off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
lams off
he/she/it
Past simple
lamed off
yesterday
Past participle
lamed off
have + pp
-ing form
laming off
continuous
Hear "lam off" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "lam off" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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