as thick as thieves
expression · Idiom / expression C1
Plain meaning
very close and secretive together
Exam-register meaning
In exam reading or discussion, this expression signals very close and secretive together rather than a literal meaning.
In context
naturalThe phrase “as thick as thieves” fitted the situation perfectly.
examIn higher-level reading passages, “as thick as thieves” may be used to show very close and secretive together.
Common collocations
as thick as thievesuse “as thick as thieves” in contextthe expression “as thick as thieves”
Watch out
Do not translate “as thick as thieves” word-for-word; learn it as a fixed expression and check whether it is suitable for formal writing.