How to Read “As thick as thieves”
As thick as thieves
[az THIK az theevz]
All words use common pronunciation. No special guidance needed.
Meaning of “As thick as thieves”
Simply put, this proverb means two or more people are extremely close friends who share secrets and stick together no matter what.
The phrase uses “thick” to mean close or tight, like thick soup or thick fog. When people are “thick,” they’re packed together with no space between them. Thieves in this saying represent people who must trust each other completely. The proverb suggests a friendship so strong that the people involved are inseparable.
We use this expression today when friends are always together and seem to share everything. You might hear it about coworkers who always eat lunch together and know each other’s personal business. It describes siblings who never fight and always take each other’s side. The phrase fits any relationship where people are unusually loyal and secretive together.
What’s interesting about this wisdom is how it uses criminals as a positive example. Most people wouldn’t want to be compared to thieves, but this saying focuses on their teamwork. It recognizes that even people doing wrong things can show incredible loyalty. The proverb celebrates the bond itself, not what people do with it.
Origin and Etymology
The exact origin of this phrase is unknown, but it first appeared in English writing during the 1800s. Early versions sometimes said “thick as two thieves” instead of just “as thick as thieves.” The saying became popular during a time when many people lived in crowded cities with high crime rates.
During the 19th century, people were fascinated by stories of criminal gangs and their loyalty codes. Newspapers wrote about famous thieves who never betrayed their partners, even when caught. This created a romantic image of criminals who valued friendship above everything else. The phrase captured this idea of unbreakable bonds between partners in crime.
The saying spread through everyday conversation rather than books or formal writing. People found it catchy and useful for describing unusually close friendships. Over time, it lost any real connection to actual criminals. Today, most people use it without thinking about thieves at all. It simply means the strongest possible friendship between people who trust each other completely.
Interesting Facts
The word “thick” in this context comes from an old English meaning of “intimate” or “familiar.” This usage dates back several centuries and appears in other phrases like “thick friends.” The criminal connection reflects how thieves historically needed absolute trust to avoid capture, making their partnerships symbols of loyalty despite their illegal activities.
Usage Examples
- Mother to neighbor: “My twins share everything and cover for each other constantly – as thick as thieves.”
- Manager to HR: “Those two from accounting always take breaks together and never rat each other out – as thick as thieves.”
Universal Wisdom
This proverb reveals something fundamental about human nature: we deeply crave relationships built on complete trust and mutual protection. The phrase captures our longing for someone who will never abandon us, no matter what trouble we face. Even though it references criminals, we instinctively understand why their bond represents the ultimate friendship.
Humans evolved in small groups where survival depended on reliable allies. Those who could form unshakeable partnerships had better chances of living through dangers and hardships. This created a deep psychological need for relationships where we can be completely vulnerable without fear of betrayal. We want someone who knows all our secrets but keeps them safe, someone who stands with us even when we’re wrong.
The proverb also acknowledges a darker truth about loyalty: the strongest bonds often form around shared secrets or mutual dependence. People become “thick as thieves” when they have something to hide together or when they need each other to survive difficult situations. This explains why some of the closest friendships develop during challenging times, when people must rely on each other completely. The saying recognizes that true intimacy requires both trust and a willingness to be complicit in each other’s lives, for better or worse.
When AI Hears This
Criminals who work together develop unbreakable bonds through shared secrets. Each person holds information that could destroy the other. This creates perfect balance where neither can betray without destroying themselves. The strongest human connections aren’t built on shared goodness. They’re forged when people become equally vulnerable to each other.
This pattern reveals how humans actually build trust in relationships. We bond deepest with those who know our worst secrets. Sharing something shameful creates stronger ties than sharing something good. People instinctively understand that mutual weakness builds better partnerships than mutual strength. The fear of exposure keeps both sides loyal forever.
What fascinates me is how this backwards logic actually works perfectly. Humans discovered that trust based on fear lasts longer than trust based on love. Two people protecting each other’s secrets will never separate. This seems wrong but creates the most reliable human bonds. Sometimes the darkest foundations support the strongest relationships.
Lessons for Today
Understanding this wisdom helps us recognize the difference between casual friendship and deep loyalty. True closeness develops when people consistently choose each other’s wellbeing over their own convenience. It requires sharing vulnerabilities and protecting each other’s secrets, even when it’s difficult. These bonds don’t form overnight but grow through repeated acts of trust and support.
In relationships, being “thick as thieves” means creating a safe space where both people can be completely honest. This involves listening without judgment and offering support even when you disagree with someone’s choices. It means keeping confidences and standing up for each other when others criticize. However, this level of closeness also requires wisdom about boundaries and healthy independence.
The challenge lies in building these deep connections without becoming isolated from others or enabling harmful behavior. The strongest partnerships enhance both people’s lives rather than limiting them. They provide security and understanding while encouraging growth and positive choices. When we find relationships this trustworthy, we discover the peace that comes from knowing someone will always be in our corner, no matter what challenges we face.
Comments