among thieves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "among thieves" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where dishonest or untrustworthy individuals are interacting with one another, often implying that such behavior is expected or accepted in that context. Example: "In a world where trust is scarce, it's often said that honesty is a rare commodity among thieves."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Rancor among thieves.

The New York Times

"I fell among thieves," his son replied.

The New Yorker

Honour among thieves was paramount.

The Guardian - Tech

Sometimes there really is honour among thieves.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

They say there's no honour among thieves.

The Times

I'm counting on "honor among thieves"...

The New York Times

13* 1 HONOR AMONG THIEVES, by Jeffrey Archer.

The New York Times - Books

Yet his reputation has fallen among thieves and cynics.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Part two follows the no-honor-among-thieves fallout as allegiances shift and betrayals hover while authorities close in.

Los Angeles Times

Drake's character design changed little between Drake's Fortune and Among Thieves.

Wikipedia

"It appears that in this case, there is honor among thieves," Holt says.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "among thieves", ensure the context clearly establishes the presence of dishonesty or untrustworthy behavior. This phrase is most effective when the unethical nature of the group is already understood.

Common error

Avoid using "among thieves" in situations where the individuals involved are merely competitive or aggressive, but not actively engaged in theft or dishonest practices. This phrase carries a strong connotation of illegality and betrayal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "among thieves" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often used to modify a verb or noun, indicating association or interaction within a group characterized by dishonesty or criminal behavior. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase describes contexts where unethical conduct is expected or tolerated.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "among thieves" is a versatile prepositional phrase that communicates the idea of interactions within a group of dishonest individuals. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical usage is correct, and its frequency in reputable sources marks it as common. While it appears most often in News & Media, it can also be found in other contexts. Understanding the phrase's nuances—its connotations of untrustworthiness and ethical compromise—is key to using it effectively in writing. Remember to ensure the context warrants its strong implications of illegality and betrayal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

amongst the deceitful

A more general description that underscores the dishonest character of a group.

in the company of rogues

Focuses on the deceitful and unreliable nature of the individuals involved, using a more archaic term.

within a corrupt circle

Emphasizes the systemic nature of the dishonesty, suggesting a group with shared immoral practices.

in league with crooks

Suggests collaboration and partnership in dishonest activities.

in a den of iniquity

Emphasizes the moral corruption and wickedness of the environment, rather than focusing solely on theft.

amidst tricksters

Focuses on the element of deception and cunning behavior.

surrounded by swindlers

Specifically highlights deceitful and fraudulent behavior.

in a nest of vipers

Highlights the treacherous and dangerous nature of the environment, suggesting hidden threats and betrayals.

in a hive of villainy

Highlights the coordinated nature of the malevolent individuals.

in a criminal underworld

Points to the environment or system where illegal activities occur, rather than specific individuals.

FAQs

What does the expression "among thieves" mean?

The expression "among thieves" generally refers to a situation where dishonest or criminal individuals interact, implying that certain behaviors such as cheating or betrayal are common or expected.

Is it correct to say "honor among thieves"?

Yes, the saying "honor among thieves" is a common idiom that suggests even criminals have a code of conduct or loyalty to each other, though it's often used ironically to highlight the lack of true honor.

What can I say instead of "I fell among thieves"?

You can use alternatives like "I fell "into bad company"", "I was "taken advantage of"", or "I was "infiltrated by criminals" depending on the context.

Which is more accurate: "There is no honor among thieves" or "There is honor among thieves"?

Both phrases are used, but "There is no honor among thieves" is more common and expresses skepticism about the existence of ethical behavior among criminals. The phrase "There is honor among thieves" suggests that some criminals do adhere to a code of conduct, which is often used in a dramatic or ironic context.