thief in the night

English

Etymology

A calque from Ancient Greek κλέπτης ἐν νυκτὶ (kléptēs en nuktì).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /θiːf ɪn ðə naɪt/

• Audio (AU):

  (file)

Noun

thief in the night (plural thieves in the night)

1. Something stealthy or that occurs without warning.
   • Template:RQ:Authorized Version

     For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

Usage notes

• Mostly used in similes, after like.