Pronunciation: [tˈʊk ɒnðə lˈam] (IPA) 
Took on the lam is a slang phrase that means to flee or escape from something. The spelling of the phrase is as follows: /tʊk ɒn ðə læm/. The word "took" is spelled as "t-o-o-k" and pronounced as /tʊk/. "On the" is spelled as "o-n t-h-e" and pronounced as /ɒn ðə/. "Lam" is spelled as "l-a-m" and pronounced as /læm/. The slang phrase is believed to have originated from the practice of a lamb taking off after being shorn.
Took on the lam is an idiomatic expression primarily used in informal or colloquial English. It conveys the act of escaping or fleeing, particularly from authorities or to avoid capture. The phrase consists of two key elements: "took on" and "the lam."
Took on in this context refers to embracing or assuming a specific course of action or behavior. It implies willingly adopting a situation or task, often with a sense of purpose or intention. It signifies a decision or choice to undertake a particular action.
The term "the lam" is an informal noun that originated in the criminal underworld of the early 20th century. It refers to escape, flight, or going into hiding, usually to evade the law or evade capture after committing a criminal act. The origins of the term are unclear, though some theories suggest it may be derived from the word "lamister," which means a hasty flight.
Combined, "took on the lam" denotes the conscious decision of an individual to escape or flee, typically from law enforcement or other pursuers. It implies a deliberate act of evading capture or avoiding consequences by going into hiding or adopting a covert lifestyle. This expression's colloquial nature makes it more commonly used in informal speech or storytelling contexts, and it conveys a sense of urgency, adventure, or trouble.
