Contents
If you’ve come across the term “thick as thieves,” you might be curious about its meaning and background. This reference covers what this expression means and explores its origins.
You’ll also find examples showing how to use the term in everyday conversation and sentences. In addition to understanding what “thick as thieves” signifies, you’ll discover different ways to express this idiom.
Thick as Thieves Meaning, Origin and Usage
Key Takeaways
- The meaning of the term “thick as thieves” refers to a closeness between two people, it describes a friendship which is very intimate and bonded.
Thick as Thieves Meaning
The phrase “thick as thieves” means that two or more people have a very close, strong, and trusting relationship, often with a sense of secrecy or exclusivity. It suggests that the people involved are so close that they share everything and might even collaborate in secretive or mischievous activities.
Origin of the Term
The term thick as thieves finds its beginnings in the 1800s. At this time thieves were considered to be very close to one another as they tended to operate in groups.
Usage of “Thick as Thieves”
Here are some examples of how to use the phrase “thick as thieves” in sentences:
- To describe a close friendship:
- “Ever since childhood, John and Mark have been thick as thieves, always looking out for each other.”
- In the workplace:
- “The two managers are thick as thieves, constantly discussing strategies and making decisions together.”
- In a family context:
- “The siblings are thick as thieves, sharing everything and always having each other’s backs.”
- To describe a group with a close bond:
- “You’ll rarely see them apart. Those three are thick as thieves, always working on some new project.”
- In a relationship:
- “Ever since they started dating, they’ve been thick as thieves, spending all their free time together.”
Related Terms to “Thick as Thieves”
- Bosom buddies – Refers to very close friends who share a deep bond.
- Inseparable – Describes people who are so close that they are always together.
- Partners in crime – Often used humorously to describe close friends who do everything together, sometimes implying mischievous behavior.
- Close-knit – Refers to a group of people who have strong relationships and are very supportive of one another.
- Tight – A slang term to describe a close bond between people.
- Two peas in a pod – Used to describe two people who are very similar and always together.
- Hand in glove – Describes a perfect, close partnership or working relationship.
- Like family – Used to describe friends who are so close they feel like family members.
- Blood brothers/sisters – A term used for people who are as close as siblings, sometimes sharing a symbolic or literal bond.
Other Ways to Refer to the Idiom
There are a number of other ways in which you might express the meaning of the term thick as thieves, let’s take a look at some of these now.
- Like two peas in a pod
- As close as brothers/sisters
- Inseparable
- Buddy-buddy
- Intimate
“Thick as Thieves” Examples
Examples in Sentences
We are now going to take a look at some examples of you might use the term thick as thieves in a sentence, this will assist us to further understand how the phrase functions.
The first statement is being made by a teacher about her students.
- The two girls are as thick as thieves, they are always together and getting up to mischief.
The next statement is being made by a woman about her friend.
- Myself and Linda have been friends for years, we are as thick as thieves.
Conversation Examples
There are many times in which the phrase thick as thieves might show up in day to day conversation. Let’s now take a look at some examples of what you might hear.
The first example conversation is taking place between two parents.
- Person 1; “I think our kids have been getting up to trouble with one another.”
- Person 2; “I agree, but they would never admit it to us, they wouldn’t want to get each other into trouble.”
- Person 1; “We could try to get them to talk to us.”
- Person 2; “You’ve got no chance, they are as thick as thieves.”
The next conversation is taking place between two co workers.
- Person 1; “I have had enough of Dave not pulling his weight around here.”
- Person 2; “Me too, perhaps we should complain to the boss.”
- Person 1; “He wouldn’t listen, he and Dave are as thick as thieves.”
- Adverbs Worksheet – Adverbs Exercises - December 21, 2023
- What Does the Term “Rapport” Mean? - November 28, 2023
- What Does the Term “Solidarity” Mean? - November 28, 2023