Cat burglar

Definitions

• a thief or burglar who is skilful and sneaky in their actions
  To describe someone who is able to break into and steal from a building or home without being detected or caught

• a thief or burglar who targets high-end or valuable items
  To describe a criminal who specifically goes after valuable or luxurious items in their thefts, often using stealth and cunning techniques to carry out their crimes

Examples of Cat burglar

Conclusion

The idiom "cat burglar" is commonly used to describe a skilled and sneaky thief, often targeting valuable items. It can also be used in a more general sense to describe someone who is skilled at breaking into buildings undetected.

Origin of "Cat burglar"

The origin of the idiom "cat burglar" is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the 19th or early 20th century. Some theories suggest that the phrase may have originated from the fact that cats are known for their agility and ability to sneak around undetected, similar to how a skilled burglar operates. Others believe that it may have derived from the term "cat-like" which was used to describe someone who was agile and sneaky.

The idiom gained popularity in the 1920s and 1930s during the era of organized crime and gangsters. It was often used to describe skilled and elusive criminals who were able to carry out their crimes without being caught by law enforcement. The term "cat burglar" also became associated with the image of a sophisticated and stylish thief, often depicted in movies and literature.

Today, the idiom is still widely used to describe a skilled and sneaky thief, often with a sense of admiration for their cunning abilities. It has also become a popular trope in various forms of media, from books and movies to video games, often portraying a cat burglar as a charismatic and skilled criminal.