As Thick As Thieves - Meaning And Sentences - Literary Devices

As Thick As Thieves: Meaning and Origin

The idiom “as thick as thieves” describes a relationship characterized by deep closeness, mutual loyalty, and often shared secrets or mischief. It implies a bond so strong that individuals trust and support one another completely, similar to the way thieves must rely on each other to succeed and avoid being caught. The phrase isn’t necessarily about engaging in wrongdoing; rather, it emphasizes the depth of understanding and complicity within the relationship.

Origin of “As Thick As Thieves”

The idiom likely arose from the observation that thieves must trust one another to succeed. The first known printed usage dates from the early 19th century, with the phrase appearing in 1807 in the periodical “The Gentleman’s Magazine.” Subsequent references confirm its popularity by the 1820s. The context of these early uses suggests the meaning we understand today, a strong, often secretive bond between individuals. The association with thieves is not an endorsement of criminal behavior but rather draws on the image of a group dependent on absolute loyalty and shared purpose for survival and success. It speaks to a connection built on necessity and mutual reliance.

Detailed Analysis: Literary and Cultural Significance

The power of “as thick as thieves” as an idiom stems from its evocative imagery. It conjures a world of shadows, shared secrets, and unwavering support. Its longevity in the English language demonstrates its resonance with universal human experiences—the desire for deep connection, the comfort of unwavering loyalty, and the thrill of shared adventure. The phrase works effectively in literature because it provides a concise, potent way to establish the nature of a relationship. A writer doesn’t need to show a close bond; the idiom immediately tells the reader that bond exists. This efficiency can be particularly useful in character development, quickly establishing dynamics and motivations.

Furthermore, the phrase carries an inherent tension. Because of its association with thieves, there’s a subtle suggestion of wrongdoing or at least a willingness to bend the rules. This can add a layer of complexity to characters and relationships. Are they truly innocent, or are they complicit in something darker? This ambiguity makes the idiom particularly useful in genres like crime fiction or thrillers.

Examples in Literature

Example #1: “Thick as Thieves” by Kasabian

There we were thick as thievesFrightened by shadows and the autumn leavesWe wore stolen hats, fitted solesAided by lies amongst the media foes

And hey oh, where did it go?When did we lose our sight?And it’s a nice show, the ones we performPerforming it day and night, night

See the lights upon my faceWalking in circles with the human raceAnd all the little people they want to be freeBut I can’t get there ‘cause I’ve got you holding me back

And hey oh, where did it go?When did we lose our sight?And it’s a nice show, the ones we performPerforming it day and night, nightLet me be free

Gave you all the high skies but you gave me nightI gave you all the high skies but you gave me nightI gave you all the high skies but you gave me nightI gave you all the high skies but you gave me nightLet the lights sing again

There we were thick as thievesFrightened by shadows and the autumn leavesGoodbye my sweet, goodbye, goodbye

In this song by Kasabian, the phrase “thick as thieves” evokes a nostalgic reminiscence of childhood friendship. The lyrics portray a bond forged through shared experiences, adventure (“stolen hats,” “frightened by shadows”), and a sense of complicity. The repetition of the phrase reinforces the enduring nature of this connection, even as the singer laments its fading over time. The song demonstrates how the idiom can effectively communicate the depth and sentimental value of a close relationship.

Example #2: “Thick as Thieves” by Charles Barnett

Following the crooked pavementthat is set in the streetlike a broken arm inplaster of Paris.We steal the smiles fromthe people plastered onthe sidewalks like thievesin the night.

Stealing the hope from children.Stealing music from the pageslike a third‑rate pop artist.

Sneaking past sirens thattry to lull us from theroad less traveled.Sirens that blare in the nightlike ghosts in the hall.Singing songs trying to serenadethe kleptomania from mysoul.

Barnett’s poem uses “thick as thieves” in a more unconventional, metaphorical sense. While the characters are engaging in metaphorical theft (stealing smiles, hope), the phrase highlights their shared alienation and complicity in a world they perceive as bleak. The connection is not necessarily based on affection but on a shared understanding of darkness and a willingness to navigate it together. This demonstrates the idiom’s flexibility—it can describe both positive and more ambiguous relationships.

Example #3: Thick as Thieves by Peter Spiegelman

Spiegelman’s novel centers on a crew of thieves. The title is literal in this case, immediately establishing the central theme of loyalty and collaboration among criminals. However, the phrase also hints at the complex web of relationships, secrets, and betrayals that lie within the group. The title serves as a promise of a story filled with intricate bonds and unreliable alliances.

Example #4: Thick as Thieves, a True Story of Two Turbulent Lives by Steven Geng

In Geng’s memoir, “thick as thieves” refers to the unbreakable bond between the author and his sister, despite their involvement in crime. It emphasizes the resilience of family ties in the face of adversity. The phrase suggests that their shared experiences, both positive and negative, have forged a connection that cannot be easily broken. The memoir showcases the idiom’s ability to convey a deeply rooted, enduring relationship formed through shared history.

Examples in Sentences

Example #1: “All the fifth graders looked as thick as thieves during the activities, which surprised all the teachers.”

Example #2: “We have to be as thick as thieves,” declared Roman. Otherwise, we cannot convince Dad to let us go to the party.

Example #3: “Maybe they were as thick as thieves and trusted each other. It was easy for them to share passwords too.”

Example #4: “Best friends are meant to be as thick as thieves, so rivals may learn from their friendship or remain jealous.”

Example #5: “Look at all the superheroes! They appear as thick as thieves, but they also end up fighting each other.”

In conclusion, “as thick as thieves” is a powerful and versatile idiom that continues to resonate with readers and writers. Its rich history, evocative imagery, and adaptability make it a valuable tool for conveying the complexities of human relationships.

Related posts:

• All That Glitters is Not Gold
• A Bird in the Hand
• A Bun in The Oven
• A Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with a Single Step
• A Penny for Your Thoughts
• Achilles Heel
• Agree to Disagree
• A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned
• All at Sea
• Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely
• As Cute As a Bug’s Ear
• Arms Akimbo
• An Arm and a Leg
• Any Port in a Storm
• Another Think Coming
• Annus Horribilis
• A Rolling Stone Gathers No Moss
• An Albatross Around One’s Neck
• An Offer He Can’t Refuse
• All Greek To Me
• As Easy as Pie
• A Pretty Penny
• As Dead As a Doornail
• As Happy As a Clam
• All in All
• All of a Sudden
• A Sight for Sore Eyes
• As Safe As Houses
• At Loggerheads
• At One’s Wit’s End
• At/In One Fell Swoop
• Back Seat Driver
• Back to Square One
• Bane of Your Life
• Baker’s Dozen
• Batten Down the Hatches
• Battle Royal
• Bated Breath
• Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid
• Be Enthralled
• Bee In Your Bonnet
• Barrel of Laughs
• Beg The Question
• Bling Bling
• Bells and Whistles
• Below Par
• Birds of a Feather Flock Together
• Blind Man’s Buff
• Blown to Smithereens
• Bob’s Your Uncle
• Booby Prize
• Bog Standard
• Been There, Done That
• Beggar Belief
• Bury The Hatchet
• Call A Spade A Spade
• Catch-22
• Card Sharp
• By The Board
• By The Short Hairs
• Caught Red Handed
• Cheapskate
• Chop Chop
• ‎Close Quarters
• Cloud Cuckoo Land
• Club Sandwich
• The Birds and the Bees
• Codswallop
• The Bitter End
• Think Outside The Box
• You Are What You Eat
• Cold Turkey
• Cold Feet
• Cold Shoulder
• Comparisons Are Odious
• Common Sense
• Tongue in Cheek
• Tooth and Nail
• Coin A Phrase
• Cook The Books
• The Ends of the Earth
• Your Name is Mud
• Cool Britannia
• Cool Britannia
• Crackpot
• Crime Doesn’t Pay
• Two Heads are Better than One
• Win Hands Down
• Wreak Havoc
• Cut To The Chase
• Damp Squib
• Dead Ringer
• Death And Taxes
• Tempest in a Teapot
• The Cat’s Pajamas
• Thumbs Up
• Dog Days
• Different Strokes For Different Folks
• Don’t Go There
• Don’t Keep A Dog And Bark Yourself