Meaning of honor among thieves | Babel Free

Definitions

Trustworthiness within a group that is not considered trustworthy by outsiders.

uncountable

Equivalents

Examples

“While a corrupt Chuch and untrustworthy nobles and kings scraped for power, businessmen in Italy honored pledges of businessmen from England and Scandinavia. This trust⟳ (some have⟳ called it honor among thieves) is still a hallmark of modern brokerage.”

“That sounds odd here in Washington these days, but some of the old-timers still like⟳ to pretend⟳ there is honor alive among the political thieves.”

“To cripple another person intentionally is to violate⟳ the same kind of code as the legendary honor among thieves. More linebackers than thieves believe⟳ this, but when it comes to politics — to a 28-year career of cheap shots, lies and thievery — there is no man in America who should understand⟳ what is happening to him now better than Richard Milhous Nixon.”

CEFR level