Idioms are a crucial part of the English language because they make your speech sound more natural, fluent, and expressive. Native speakers use idioms constantly in conversations. Without idioms, your English might feel a bit flat or less engaging. They also reflect the culture and nuances of a language, giving it more color and personality. Mastering idioms helps learners sound more like natives and allows them to communicate in a more dynamic and fluid way. Crime-related idioms, in particular, are an interesting and important category to learn. Phrases like “caught red-handed” or “on the run” go beyond describing criminal activities, they convey concepts of secrecy, guilt, and punishment that can be applied to a wide range of situations. Understanding and using crime idioms can add depth to your conversations and improve your ability to express complex ideas in a more nuanced and impactful way. These idioms are not only fun but also enhance your overall English skills.
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15 Idioms About Crime
These common idioms about crime are used in daily conversations and will help you extend your vocabulary and help you understand native speakers better.
1. Above the Law
Meaning: Someone who thinks they are not subject to the rules or laws that apply to others.
Example: The celebrity acted like he was above the law, ignoring every parking ticket he got.
2. Caught Red-Handed
Meaning: To be caught in the act of doing something wrong or illegal.
Example: He was caught red-handed trying to steal the test answers.
3. Break the Law
Meaning: To do something illegal.
Example: If you speed in a school zone, you’re breaking the law.
4. On the Run
Meaning: Hiding or fleeing from the police or authorities.
Example: The suspect has been on the run for three days.
5. Do Time
Meaning: To serve a prison sentence.
Example: He did time for armed robbery back in the ’90s.
6. Get Away With Murder
Meaning: To do something very bad without being punished.
Example: That kid gets away with murder just because he’s the teacher’s favorite.
7. Behind Bars
Meaning: In prison.
Example: He’s been behind bars since the trial ended.
8. Partner in Crime
Meaning: Someone who helps you do something wrong or mischievous.
Example: My sister is my partner in crime when it comes to sneaking snacks.
9. Case Closed
Meaning: A situation has been resolved or finished, often used by law enforcement.
Example: They found the thief and returned the stolen goods, case closed.
10. Beat the Rap
Meaning: To escape punishment for a crime.
Example: He had a good lawyer and managed to beat the rap.
11. Take the Fall
Meaning: To accept the blame or punishment for something, often for someone else.
Example: He took the fall for his friend’s mistake.
12. Cat Burglar
Meaning: A thief who enters buildings quietly and steals without being noticed.
Example: The museum was robbed by a clever cat burglar.
13. Under the Table
Meaning: Secretly and illegally, especially with money.
Example: They paid him under the table to avoid taxes.
14. Inside Job
Meaning: A crime committed by someone within the organization or place affected.
Example: The robbery was clearly an inside job, no alarms went off.
15. Busted
Meaning: Caught by the police or discovered doing something wrong.
Example: He got busted for shoplifting at the mall.
Example Sentences of Idioms About Crime
Let’s explore some example sentences to further deepen our knowledge of these idioms.
– Some people act like they’re above the law, doing whatever they want without consequences.
– She was caught red-handed sneaking cookies before dinner.
– You’ll break the law if you don’t file your taxes correctly.
– He’s been on the run ever since the heist last month.
– She did time for fraud in her early twenties.
– He talks back to every teacher and still gets away with murder.
– That gang leader has been behind bars for over a decade now.
– We were always partners in crime during summer break adventures.
– They found clear evidence linking the suspect to the scene and the case was closed.
– Despite all the evidence, the defendant beat the rap thanks to a technicality.
– He took the fall for the team’s failed project even though it wasn’t his fault.
– A cat burglar slipped in through the window and took everything.
– The mechanic offered to fix my car under the table for a cheaper price.
– Only someone with the alarm code could’ve done it, it must’ve been an inside job.
– They got busted throwing a party while their parents were away.
Frequently Asked Questions About English Idioms About Crime
Are these idioms only used in legal contexts?
While they come from crime-related situations, people use them casually to describe all sorts of scenarios, like joking about a sibling being a “partner in crime.”
How can I learn to use idioms naturally?
Best way is to read and watch content with native speakers, practice using the idioms in your own sentences, and try using them in conversations.
Are idioms about crime used in formal writing or speech?
Most crime idioms are informal and used in casual conversations, TV shows, or social media. In formal writing, it’s better to stick to direct language.
Do any of the idioms about crime have historical origins?
Some idioms have historical origin stories. For example, “caught red-handed” comes from old Scottish law where someone caught with blood on their hands was guilty.
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