sneak thief
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of sneak thief
An Americanism dating back to 1855–60
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Against stubborn opposition who have bolted the door shut, he can be Everton's sneak thief, nipping in through the side window to snatch the three points and leave the opposition bereft.
From The Guardian ● Apr. 1, 2013
When she finished rehearsing Mrs. Ryan found that a sneak thief had taken her $850 bag, her $250 cigaret case, her $135 pocket money.
From Time Magazine Archive
Jason, then, according to Dr. Taggart, was perhaps no better than a sneak thief loitering around a primitive refinery.
From Time Magazine Archive
In Detroit, a sneak thief stole a wheel and tire from a minister's car, parked in front of a hotel.
From Time Magazine Archive
I crept back into the basement like a highly skilled sneak thief and then proceeded to listen to the most calming music I know: the Beatles.
From "Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie" by Jordan Sonnenblick
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
