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 thieves
Frightened by shadows and the autumn leaves
We wore stolen hats, fitted soles
Aided by lies amongst the media foesAnd hey oh, where did it go?
When did we lose our sight?
And it’s a nice show, the ones we perform
Performing it day and night, nightSee the lights upon my face
Walking in circles with the human race
And all the little people they want to be free
But I can’t get there ‘cause I’ve got you holding me backAnd hey oh, where did it go?
When did we lose our sight?
And it’s a nice show, the ones we perform
Performing it day and night, night
Let me be freeGave you all the high skies but you gave me night
I gave you all the high skies but you gave me night
I gave you all the high skies but you gave me night
I gave you all the high skies but you gave me night
Let the lights sing againThere we were thick as thieves
Frightened by shadows and the autumn leaves
Goodbye 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 pavement
that is set in the street
like a broken arm in
plaster of Paris.
We steal the smiles from
the people plastered on
the sidewalks like thieves
in the night.Stealing the hope from children.
Stealing music from the pages
like a third‑rate pop artist.Sneaking past sirens that
try to lull us from the
road less traveled.
Sirens that blare in the night
like ghosts in the hall.
Singing songs trying to serenade
the kleptomania from my
soul.
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.