inside job

American  

noun

1. a crime committed by or in collusion with a person or persons closely associated with the victim.

   The robbery seemed an inside job, because there was no evidence of forced entry.

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inside job British  

noun

1. informal a crime committed with the assistance of someone associated with the victim, such as a person employed on the premises burgled

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Etymology

Origin of inside job

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

I’m sure that I don’t need to tell you this, but it doesn’t hurt for us all to be reminded that value and success is an inside job.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 17, 2026

This and the fact that the thieves deliberately bypassed the one crown containing fake gems were fairly solid signals, Mr. Wittman says, that the heist was an inside job.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 25, 2025

There was no evidence at this time to suggest the theft was an inside job confirming there were no accomplices who worked at the museum, she added.

From BBC • Oct. 29, 2025

The victory was something of an inside job though.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2024

The conclusion was obvious: it was an inside job.

From "The Mona Lisa Vanishes" by Nicholas Day