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thief

[θiːf]

thief Definition

a person who steals, especially secretly or without open force; one guilty of theft or larceny.

Using thief: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "thief" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The thief stole my wallet while I was distracted.

  • Example

    The store caught the thief on camera.

  • Example

    The police arrested the thief and charged him with grand larceny.

thief Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for thief

  • honest person
  • law-abiding citizen

Phrases with thief

  • secretly and unexpectedly, often with negative connotations

    Example

    The company laid off employees like a thief in the night, without warning or explanation.

  • use someone who is familiar with criminal activity to catch another criminal

    Example

    The detective decided to set a thief to catch a thief by hiring an ex-convict to help with the investigation.

  • finders keepers, losers weepers

    a phrase used to suggest that whoever finds something is entitled to keep it

    Example

    The thief argued that he found the wallet on the street, but the judge reminded him that finders keepers, losers weepers does not apply to stolen property.

Origins of thief

from Old English 'thēof'

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Summary: thief in Brief

A 'thief' [θiːf] is a person who steals, often secretly or without force. It can refer to various types of stealing, such as pickpocketing or burglary. Phrases like 'like a thief in the night' and 'set a thief to catch a thief' describe secretive or cunning behavior. The idiom 'finders keepers, losers weepers' suggests that whoever finds something is entitled to keep it.

How do native speakers use this expression?