thief in the night

English

Etymology

A calque from Ancient Greek.

Noun

thief in the night (plural thieves in the night)

Something stealthy or that occurs without warning.
- 1611, Bible (King James Version), 1 Thessalonians 5:2:
  
  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.

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