thieves

Two thieves sneak through a dark alley at night.

Definition

1. Noun (plural form of ):
   • A person who steals: "thieves" refers to individuals who take property or possessions belonging to others without legal right or permission, typically in a secretive or dishonest manner.

Usage Examples

• (Individuals who illegally entered and took valuables.)
• (The criminals who stole property were captured.)
• (Be cautious of people who might steal from you.)

Advanced Usage

• "Thieves' market": a marketplace where stolen goods are sold.

  • The black market operates like a thieves' market for electronics. (A place for trading illicitly obtained items.)

• "Thieves' cant": a secret language or slang used by thieves.

  • The old novel describes the thieves' cant used by London criminals. (A coded way of speaking among thieves.)

• "Thieves' Latin": another term for thieves' cant or argot.

  • He learned a few words of thieves' Latin from the underworld. (Specialized slang of criminals.)

Variants and Related Words

• Thief (n): the singular form of thieves.

  • A thief stole my wallet on the bus. (One person who steals.)

• Thievery (n): the act or practice of stealing.

  • The gang was known for its thievery in the neighborhood. (Regular stealing activity.)

• Thieve (v): to steal or commit theft.

  • He was caught thieving from the store. (Engaging in theft.)

Synonyms

• Burglars: thieves who break into buildings, especially homes.
• Robbers: thieves who take property by force or threat.
• Pickpockets: thieves who steal from pockets or bags in public places.
• Shoplifters: thieves who steal goods from retail stores.

Related Idioms

• "Set a thief to catch a thief": using someone with criminal knowledge or experience to catch other criminals.

  • The police hired an ex-convict as a consultant — it's a case of setting a thief to catch a thief. (Using a former thief to help catch current thieves.)

• "Thick as thieves": very close or intimate in a secretive or conspiratorial way.

  • The two friends are thick as thieves, always sharing secrets. (Extremely close, like partners in crime.)

• "To cry out thieves": to shout for help when being robbed.

  • When her bag was snatched, she cried out thieves, but no one heard. (Called for assistance against robbers.)