clique of thieves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clique of thieves" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a group of individuals who are involved in theft or criminal activities, often implying a close-knit or secretive nature. Example: "The police managed to infiltrate the clique of thieves that had been terrorizing the neighborhood for months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Now, after thirty years of continual abuses, it demands that its officials respond as they are supposed to: in favor of the interests of the population, and not at the service of a clique of thieves and contrabandists operating out of the Presidential Residence".

The New Yorker

He keeps his mind off the idea that his son went to kill brotherly people and became disabled not defending his motherland from real enemies, but rather because of an insipid colonel's panic-stricken fear of losing his power, because of the ambitions of a clique of thieves swarming around the throne.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Caravan of Thieves, acoustic swing.

The New York Times

Instead of thieves bearing guns, we have thieves bearing depositions.

The New York Times

"a gang of thieves".

The New York Times - Sports

Caravan of Thieves, jazz.

The New York Times

Review of "Thieves", written by Herb Gardner.

The New Yorker

Caravan of Thieves, country and jazz.

The New York Times

He became a leader of thieves.

The New Yorker

The Island of Thieves, by Josh Lacey Andersenn, £5.99).

The Guardian - Books

They are a bunch of thieves.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "clique of thieves", ensure the context clearly indicates a group of individuals acting together for the purpose of theft or other illicit activities. The term "clique" suggests a close-knit, often secretive group.

Common error

Avoid using "clique of thieves" when referring to a loosely associated group of criminals. "Clique" implies a degree of exclusivity and shared identity that may not be present in all criminal associations. Use "group of thieves" or "gang of thieves" for less formally structured groups.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clique of thieves" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. The phrase describes a specific group of people engaged in criminal activities. Ludwig examples show its use in news and media.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

16%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clique of thieves" is a noun phrase denoting a close-knit group involved in theft. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, although it appears infrequently. The phrase is typically found in news and media contexts, serving to label and describe criminal groups. While there are more or less formal alternatives, the phrase remains neutral in tone. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, it's crucial to ensure the context accurately reflects a group with a degree of exclusivity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Gang of thieves

Replaces "clique" with "gang", suggesting a more organized and possibly violent group of thieves.

Band of thieves

Substitutes "clique" with "band", implying a group of thieves operating together, often in a less formal or structured way than a "gang".

Ring of thieves

Uses "ring" instead of "clique", emphasizing the secretive and interconnected nature of the group's criminal activities.

Group of robbers

Replaces "thieves" with "robbers", indicating the use of force or threat in committing theft.

Coterie of criminals

Substitutes both "clique" and "thieves" with more formal terms, "coterie" and "criminals", respectively, increasing the formality of the phrase.

Syndicate of looters

Uses "syndicate" to imply a large, organized criminal network and "looters" to suggest theft during a time of chaos or disaster.

Cabal of embezzlers

Replaces "thieves" with "embezzlers", specifying theft from a position of trust or authority.

Circle of pickpockets

Substitutes "thieves" with "pickpockets", narrowing the type of theft to stealing from people's pockets or belongings.

Crew of burglars

Replaces "thieves" with "burglars", specifying the crime of breaking into buildings to commit theft.

Pack of pilferers

Uses "pack" to suggest a group acting in a predatory manner and "pilferers" to imply petty theft or stealing in small quantities.

FAQs

How can I use "clique of thieves" in a sentence?

You can use "clique of thieves" to describe a tight-knit group involved in theft, such as: "The investigation revealed a "clique of thieves" operating within the company".

What is a similar phrase to "clique of thieves"?

Similar phrases include "gang of thieves", "band of thieves", or "ring of thieves". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey about the group's organization and activities.

What is the difference between "clique of thieves" and "gang of thieves"?

"Clique of thieves" emphasizes the exclusive and potentially secretive nature of the group, while "gang of thieves" often implies a more organized, and possibly violent, criminal enterprise.

Is "clique of thieves" a formal or informal expression?

"Clique of thieves" is relatively neutral, suitable for news reporting and general descriptions. However, using more formal language like "coterie of criminals" or "syndicate of looters" might be better for very formal or academic writing.