Justice is a fundamental concept in society, symbolizing fairness, equity, and moral righteousness. Idioms that describe justice capture the essence of these principles, providing vivid expressions to articulate the pursuit and realization of justice. Here are 20 idioms that shed light on various aspects of justice, each with a brief meaning and example sentence.
Idioms That Describe Justice
1. The Long Arm of the Law
Meaning: The far-reaching power of the law.
Example: “No one can escape the long arm of the law.”
2. Justice is Blind
Meaning: Justice is impartial and unbiased.
Example: “In court, justice is blind to wealth or status.”
3. Poetic Justice
Meaning: Fitting retribution for one’s actions.
Example: “He got poetic justice when his lies were exposed.”
4. Jury is Still Out
Meaning: A decision has not yet been made.
Example: “The jury is still out on the new policy’s effectiveness.”
5. Above the Law
Meaning: Exempt from the law.
Example: “No one is above the law, not even the president.”
6. Balance the Scales
Meaning: Ensure fairness and justice.
Example: “We need to balance the scales for equal pay.”
7. Take the Law into Your Own Hands
Meaning: Administer justice without legal authority.
Example: “Don’t take the law into your own hands; call the police.”
8. Bring to Justice
Meaning: Punish someone for their actions.
Example: “The criminals were finally brought to justice.”
9. Lay Down the Law
Meaning: Establish rules and expectations firmly.
Example: “The coach laid down the law about practice attendance.”
10. Beyond a Reasonable Doubt
Meaning: Without any doubt.
Example: “He was found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.”
11. Justice Delayed is Justice Denied
Meaning: Delaying justice is as bad as denying it.
Example: “The case dragged on, proving justice delayed is justice denied.”
12. Throw the Book at Someone
Meaning: Punish someone severely.
Example: “The judge threw the book at the repeat offender.”
13. Have One’s Day in Court
Meaning: Get a fair hearing.
Example: “He just wants to have his day in court.”
14. In the Interest of Justice
Meaning: For the sake of fairness.
Example: “The trial was postponed in the interest of justice.”
15. To Serve Justice
Meaning: To act fairly and equitably.
Example: “The judge’s decision served justice in the community.”
16. A Kangaroo Court
Meaning: An unfair, biased judicial proceeding.
Example: “The trial was a kangaroo court, ignoring all evidence.”
17. On Trial
Meaning: Being judged for one’s actions.
Example: “His honesty was on trial during the investigation.”
18. Court of Public Opinion
Meaning: Judgment by society rather than by law.
Example: “She was tried in the court of public opinion.”
19. A Fair Hearing
Meaning: An impartial and just review.
Example: “Every applicant deserves a fair hearing.”
20. A Miscarriage of Justice
Meaning: An incorrect or unfair judicial decision.
Example: “The wrongful conviction was a miscarriage of justice.”
