Above the law Meaning in English
expression
əˈbəv/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈɫɑ/, /ˈɫɔ
uh-BUHV thuh LAW
əbˈʌv/ /ðə, ði/ /lˈɔː
uh-BUV thuh LAW
Definition
If someone is "above the law," they believe or act as if the law does not apply to them, often using power or influence to avoid punishment.
Usage & Nuances
Primarily used for powerful people or officials. Often negative and critical, suggesting injustice. Common in politics, news, or discussions of corruption. Not used for minor rule breaking—reserves for serious abuses.
Spanish: por encima de la leyPortuguese (BR): acima da leiPortuguese (PT): acima da leiChinese (Simplified): 凌驾于法律之上Chinese (Traditional): 凌駕於法律之上Hindi: कानून से ऊपरArabic: فوق القانونBengali: আইনের ঊর্ধ্বেRussian: выше законаJapanese: 法の上にいるVietnamese: trên pháp luậtKorean: 법 위에 있다Turkish: yasaların üstündeUrdu: قانون سے بالاترIndonesian: di atas hukum
Example Sentences
No one should be above the law.
basic
Some people act like they are above the law.
basic
The president is not above the law.
basic
They acted as if their wealth put them above the law.
natural
In this country, nobody is above the law, no matter how important they are.
natural
He used his connections to stay above the law for years.
natural