steal bread

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "steal bread" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing theft, survival, or desperation, often metaphorically to represent taking something necessary for survival. Example: "In times of extreme poverty, some people feel they have no choice but to steal bread to feed their families."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Reference

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"Don't steal bread".

The New Yorker

Chanoch says there were only two red lines never to be crossed: never steal bread from a prisoner and never eat human flesh.

The Guardian

And when the rascals blew out the lanterns in the shop, so as to steal bread and Milo while he was trying to rekindle the light, Sile accepted that, too.

The New Yorker

"The law, in its majestic equality," wrote the 19th-century novelist Anatole France, "forbids the rich as well as the poor to sleep under bridges, to beg in the streets and to steal bread".

The New York Times

It's possible to steal bread, pickles, cheese and meat from other players, again by boosting into them – or you can just throw stuff in the bin as soon as it spawns to spite everyone.

The Guardian - Tech

And if you don't, then we'll send out our people to fine you.'" As we said, it could be named the Anatole France Revision, for the French writer who in 1894 observed, "The law, in its majestic equality, forbids the rich as well as the poor to sleep under bridges, to beg in the streets and to steal bread".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Frank stole bread and milk, which became the family's principal means of support.

The New York Times - Books

(Just for stealing bread, as even people who never read Victor Hugo's novel know).

The New York Times

Some took risks to feed their families; for stealing bread or charcoal, they were shot by the police.

The New York Times

That fighter is the Duke (Keith Barber), prowling the streets scrounging for food, sneaking back with stolen bread or milk.

The New York Times

After stealing bread from a farm, they are caught by a local militia and are about to be executed when the militiamen simply laugh and walk away.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "steal bread", consider the context. It often implies desperation or extreme need, so ensure your writing accurately reflects this connotation.

Common error

Avoid using "steal bread" in situations where the theft is minor or not driven by necessity. This phrase carries a weight of moral and ethical implications, and overusing it dilutes its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "steal bread" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "steal" is the verb indicating the action, and "bread" is the direct object. Ludwig AI examples show the phrase used in narrative and descriptive contexts to portray acts of theft, often driven by need or desperation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Reference

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "steal bread" is a common and grammatically correct expression that describes the act of theft, often driven by necessity. Its primary function is to depict acts of stealing; evoke sympathy; highlight social inequality. It appears most frequently in News & Media contexts. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is generally neutral in tone, though its implications can be quite profound. While it's advisable to consider the context carefully to avoid misuse, "steal bread" remains a potent phrase for discussing themes of survival, ethics, and social justice. Consider alternative phrases like "pilfer bread" or "snatch bread" if the meaning of the sentence does not require the intensity of the expression "steal bread".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pilfer bread

This alternative suggests a less severe form of stealing, implying a smaller quantity or a more opportunistic act.

snatch bread

This alternative emphasizes the quick, sudden nature of the theft.

swipe bread

This alternative is a more informal way of saying "steal", suggesting a casual or less serious act.

appropriate bread

This alternative uses a more formal and euphemistic term for stealing, often implying that the bread was taken for a specific purpose.

take bread without permission

This alternative is a more explicit and literal way of describing the act of stealing bread.

illegally obtain bread

This alternative focuses on the legal aspect of the act, highlighting that the bread was acquired unlawfully.

misappropriate bread

This alternative suggests that the bread was originally entrusted to someone and then stolen or used improperly.

shoplift bread

This alternative specifies that the bread was stolen from a store.

help yourself to bread

This alternative is commonly used as an ironic euphemism for taking the bread.

make off with bread

This alternative emphasizes the act of running away with the stolen bread.

FAQs

What does it mean to "steal bread" in a metaphorical sense?

Metaphorically, "steal bread" can represent taking something essential for survival or basic needs, even if it means acting against ethical or legal standards. It often highlights themes of poverty, desperation, and moral compromises.

Is "steal bread" always used in a negative context?

While "steal bread" typically carries negative connotations due to the act of theft, it can sometimes evoke sympathy or understanding depending on the circumstances. For instance, it might be used to justify actions driven by extreme poverty or to criticize laws that disproportionately punish the poor, similar to "appropriate bread".

Which is a better phrase to use, "steal bread" or "pilfer bread", and why?

The choice between "steal bread" and "pilfer bread" depends on the severity of the theft you want to convey. "Steal bread" suggests a more significant act of desperation, while "pilfer bread" implies a smaller, less consequential act of stealing.

What are some literary examples of the phrase "steal bread"?

The most famous example of someone who "steal bread" is Jean Valjean from "Les Misérables", where he's imprisoned after attempting to "steal bread" to feed his sister's starving children. This exemplifies the classic caricature of justice run amok.