"Memory thief" here sounds like the one that weakens/reduces the memory. Like here, can I use "~ thief" as one that delays something or losing something? It would be nice if you also introduce some examples of "~ thief."
Native speaker’s answer
Rebecca
The phrase "memory thief" means something that makes you forgetful or takes away your memory. In a way, it kind of means to reduce or weaken, however, the word "thief" means someone that steals things from others without permission. To answer your second question, yes you can also use "~thief" in different scenarios as well! For example, if someone takes your food, you can call that person a "food thief." Or if you have a sibling that takes your clothes, you can call him or her a "clothes thief." Ex: My sister is such a shoe thief! She is always wearing my shoes instead of her own. Ex: Lack of sleep can be a memory thief. That's why it's so important to get plenty of sleep every night. Ex: He is a pillow thief! Every night, he takes my pillow, and then I don't have any!
