stolen

lock the barn door after the horse has bolted

To try to prevent or rectify a problem after the damage has already been done. My father quit smoking after he was diagnosed with lung cancer, but I'm afraid he's locking the barn door after the horse has bolted.

See also: after, barn, bolt, door, horse, lock

lock the stable door after the horse is stolen

To try to prevent or rectify a problem after the damage has already been done. My father quit smoking after he was diagnosed with lung cancer, but I'm afraid he's locking the stable door after the horse is stolen.

See also: after, door, horse, lock, stable, stolen

steal (one's) heart

To captivate one; to instill in one a deep affection or love. You stole my heart the moment I met you. The young actress has stolen the nation's heart.

steal (one's) thunder

1. To garner the attention or praise that one had been expecting or receiving for some accomplishment, announcement, etc. My brother is the star athlete of our high school, so no matter what I succeed in, he's constantly stealing my thunder. We were about to announce our engagement when Jeff and Tina stole our thunder and revealed that they were going to have a baby.

2. To steal one's idea, plan, or intellectual property and use it for profit or some benefit. We had the idea for "digital paper" years ago, but I see they've stolen our thunder and have their own version of it on the market.

steal a march

To gain an unexpected or surreptitious advantage over someone or something, as by accomplishing something before, or better than, someone else. The retail business managed to steal a march on its competitors by signing an exclusive export agreement with Europe. John and I were both trying to win Courtney's heart, but he stole a march when he managed to get tickets to Courtney's favorite band.

steal away

1. To leave or depart from some location or situation very quickly, quietly, and furtively. I started feeling a bit despondent at the party, so I stole away while no one was looking. The two stole away to share a kiss.

2. To steal someone or something (from someone); to rob someone of someone or something. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "steal" and "away." The two thieves stole the statue away by loading it into a helicopter and making off into the night sky. The gang has been stealing children away for years and brainwashing them as young soldiers.

3. To take someone or something away from someone, especially in a way that seems unfair or malicious. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "steal" and "away." The team had victory within their grasp, but with a last-minute field goal, the reigning champions stole it away from them. I don't know why you're so convinced that I'm trying to steal your boyfriend away, but it simply is not true!

steal from (someone or something)

To take (money or property) from someone, some group, some institution, etc., illegally or without their knowledge or consent. A noun or pronoun can be used between "steal" and "from" to specify what is being stolen. People who sign onto social welfare when they don't really need it are just stealing from the government. After they caught their youngest son stealing money from them to pay for drugs, they had him shipped off to boarding school. Sarah has been accused of stealing food from the school cafeteria.

steal off (someone or something)

To take (money or property) from someone, some group, some institution, etc., illegally or without their knowledge or consent. A noun or pronoun can be used between "steal" and "from" to specify what is being stolen. People who sign onto social welfare when they don't really need it are just stealing off the government. After they caught their youngest son stealing money off them to pay for drugs, they had him shipped off to boarding school. A group of bandits has been stealing supplies off travelers that pass through the region.

steal out of (some place)

To leave some place secretly, inconspicuously, or discreetly. We stole out of the store before anyone had a chance to notice that we'd taken anything. I stole out of the meeting to answer a phone call about a new job opportunity.

steal over (someone or something)

1. To cover or move across someone or something slowly and gradually. Dark, ominous clouds stole over us, threatening to drench our picnic with rain. A shadow stole over the city as the giant spaceship blotted out the sun.

2. Of a state or condition, to engulf, envelop, or consume someone or something. Chaos stole over the entire country following the collapse of the monarchy. Gut-wrenching despair stole over us as we realized we were all going to lose our jobs.

steal the show

To become the main focus of attention or deliver the most captivating performance in the presence of one or more others, typically unexpectedly. The opening band totally stole the show tonight—they were amazing. I'm sorry, I was trying to listen to your speech, but your adorable little sister stole the show when she came prancing out here.

See also: show, steal

steal the spotlight

To garner attention or praise at the expense of someone or something else. My brother is the star athlete of our high school, so no matter what I succeed in, he's constantly stealing the spotlight. We were just about to announce our engagement when Jeff and Tina stole the spotlight and revealed that they were going to have a baby.

stolen fruit is (the) sweetest

That which is illicit or illegal is all the more enticing simply by being illicit or illegal. Some people end up cheating on their spouses and partners not out of some deep affection for the other person, but because stolen fruit is sweetest. Why slave away all day to buy nice things with our hard-earned money when there are ways to get them for free? Stolen fruit is the sweetest, after all.

stolen fruit is sweet

That which is illicit or illegal is all the more enticing simply by being illicit or illegal. Some people end up cheating on their spouses and partners not out of some deep affection for the other person, but because stolen fruit is sweet. Why slave away all day to buy nice things with our hard-earned money when there are ways to get them for free? Stolen fruit is sweet, after all.

stolen pleasures are (the) sweetest

That which is illicit or illegal is all the more enticing simply by being illicit or illegal. Some people end up cheating on their spouses and partners not out of some deep affection for the other person, but because stolen pleasures are sweetest. Why slave away all day to buy nice things with our hard-earned money when there are ways to get them for free? Stolen pleasures are the sweetest, after all.

steal away (from someone or something)

to sneak away from someone or something. The thief stole away from the policeman. We stole away from the boring lecture.

steal the spotlight

and steal the show Fig.

to give the best performance in a show, play, or some other event; to get attention for oneself. The lead in the play was very good, but the butler stole the show. Ann always tries to steal the spotlight when she and I make a presentation.

stolen fruit is sweetest

and stolen pleasures are sweetest

Prov. People often enjoy illicit things just because they are illicit. To judge from the number of his extramarital affairs, John must believe that stolen pleasures are sweetest.

lock the barn door after the horse has bolted

Also, lock the stable door after the horse is stolen. Take precautions after damage has occurred. For example, After the burglary they installed an alarm system, but it's locking the barn door, or Deciding to negotiate now after they've been fired-that's a matter of locking the stable door after the horse is stolen . These expressions of action that is useless because it comes too late have long been proverbs in many languages and first appeared in English in the mid-1300s.

See also: after, barn, bolt, door, horse, lock

steal the show

Also, steal the spotlight. Be the center of attention, as in The speeches were interesting but Eliza's singing stole the show. This idiom alludes to unexpectedly outshining the rest of the cast in a theatrical production. [First half of 1900s]

See also: show, steal

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

steal a march

COMMON If you steal a march on someone, you do something before them and so gain an advantage over them. Investors from other countries will be annoyed that their rivals have once again stolen a march on them.. In the 1980s, they stole a march on other Europeans by attracting massive amounts of foreign investment. Note: If an army steals a march on the enemy, it moves secretly and takes the enemy by surprise.

steal the show

COMMON If someone or something in a show or other event steals the show, they are more impressive or amusing than anyone or anything else and, as a result, get more attention or praise. All three singers gave impressive performances but it was Domingo who stole the show. It's Jack Lemmon who finally steals the show, turning in his finest performance in years. Note: You can describe someone or something that gets more attention than other people or things as a show-stealer. The show-stealer at Citywalk, however, isn't some Hollywood megastar, but a giant gorilla that hangs like King Kong from the front of the store.

See also: show, steal

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

steal the show

attract the most attention and praise.

See also: show, steal

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

steal the ˈshow

attract more attention and praise than other people in a particular situation: Actors don’t like working with animals because they often steal the show.

See also: show, steal

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

steal away

To leave quietly without being noticed: During the party, the lovers stole away to the garden.

lock the barn/stable door after the horse has bolted/is stolen, to

To take precautions after damage has been done. This proverb, found in many languages, first appeared in a French collection of ca. 1190 and found its way into a Middle English manuscript, Douce MS, by about 1350. It has been repeated ever since. Stanley Walker poked fun at it (The Uncanny Knacks of Mr. Doherty, 1941): “He locked the stable door while they were putting the cart before the horse.”

See also: after, barn, bolt, door, horse, lock, stable

The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer

See also:

lock the barn door after the horse has bolted
lock the barn/stable door after the horse has bolted/is stolen, to
lock the stable door after the horse has bolted
lock the stable door after the horse is stolen
closing the stable door after the horse has bolted
close the barn door after the horse has bolted
close the stable door after the horse has bolted
shut/lock/close the stable door after the horse has bolted
shut the stable door after the horse has bolted
mend (one's) fences

References in periodicals archive

|Three more crimes were reported but the victims did not want the street name disclosed: Front and rear number plates were stolen from a Ford Focus; a large amount of Yorkshire stone flags were stolen from a property; and a handbag containing debit card, driving licence, keys and mobile phone was stolen.

Callous burglar stole PS10 birthday card gift

While it is reasonable to see baseball as a game driven by stolen bases, particularly during the first sixteen years of the twentieth century, the philosophical shift toward employing fewer stolen bases, likely shaped by changes in managerial philosophy stemming from offensive woes derived from pitchers scuffing the baseball, began in 1916.

Examining stolen base trends by decade from the deadball era through the 1970s

Alleged to have stolen a packet of biscuits as he |left Pear Deals, Oxford Road, Hartlepool (REF: H-14-2015)

Help catch Help catch suspected crooks suspected crooks

The second most popular car for thieves to target was the Honda Civic, with 46 reported stolen in Eugene this year to-date, and 43 in Springfield in 2013.

Thieves target popular cars

Groceries stolen from >Poundstretcher in Bridge Street, Blyth, on Friday, Oct 25, 2013

Can you help catch these suspects?

Rainhill (17/01) Silver Audi RS stolen after struggle.

THE TRAIL OF TERROR AND VIOLENCE

More players started hitting home runs in the 1920s and 1930s, at the direct expense of stolen bases.

Whither or whether the stolen base?

For example, there may be an extended period of time between when the laptop was stolen and when the theft was discovered.

Line of defense: simple, complex security measures help prevent lost and stolen laptops

The company also offers Computrace, which helps secure data and track lost or stolen portable machines.

Protecting campus data: portability can have its price. Here's how IT managers deal with stolen laptops

After the VA hires a credit monitoring company, the Department will send a detailed letter to people whose sensitive personal information may have been included in the stolen data.

VA, to provide free credit monitoring for data theft victims

In the United Kingdom, several famous bronze statues have been stolen during the past year, with the recent theft of "The Watchers," a bronze sculpture, having an estimated value of 600,000 [pounds sterling] ($1 million).

Book 'em: scrap dealers are taking steps to combat theft brought on by soaring secondary metals prices

Ninety-nine in every 1000 Belmonts registered - a total of 1978 - were stolen last year, despite it ranking high in a recent poll of 'c ** p cars'.

VAUXHAUL BELMONT; Banger is Britain's most stolen motor

When two of the 'stolen generations'--as they have become known--went to court, the government spent over $10 million to defeat them, and won on a technicality.

Australia continues her journey of healing; John Bond describes the struggle that lies behind a new memorial in Canberra to Australia's indigenous 'stolen' generations

The flickering lights that Lenoue had seen were from a stolen car that the thieves were stripping for parts.

Good Neighbor

The thieves then used the stolen credit cards, sometimes within hours of the theft, to obtain cash at casinos.

Health club credit card theft: a national crime problem

词组	stolen
释义	stolen lock the barn door after the horse has bolted To try to prevent or rectify a problem after the damage has already been done. My father quit smoking after he was diagnosed with lung cancer, but I'm afraid he's locking the barn door after the horse has bolted. See also: after, barn, bolt, door, horse, lock lock the stable door after the horse is stolen To try to prevent or rectify a problem after the damage has already been done. My father quit smoking after he was diagnosed with lung cancer, but I'm afraid he's locking the stable door after the horse is stolen. See also: after, door, horse, lock, stable, stolen steal (one's) heart To captivate one; to instill in one a deep affection or love. You stole my heart the moment I met you. The young actress has stolen the nation's heart. See also: heart, steal steal (one's) thunder 1. To garner the attention or praise that one had been expecting or receiving for some accomplishment, announcement, etc. My brother is the star athlete of our high school, so no matter what I succeed in, he's constantly stealing my thunder. We were about to announce our engagement when Jeff and Tina stole our thunder and revealed that they were going to have a baby. 2. To steal one's idea, plan, or intellectual property and use it for profit or some benefit. We had the idea for "digital paper" years ago, but I see they've stolen our thunder and have their own version of it on the market. See also: steal, thunder steal a march To gain an unexpected or surreptitious advantage over someone or something, as by accomplishing something before, or better than, someone else. The retail business managed to steal a march on its competitors by signing an exclusive export agreement with Europe. John and I were both trying to win Courtney's heart, but he stole a march when he managed to get tickets to Courtney's favorite band. See also: march, steal steal away 1. To leave or depart from some location or situation very quickly, quietly, and furtively. I started feeling a bit despondent at the party, so I stole away while no one was looking. The two stole away to share a kiss. 2. To steal someone or something (from someone); to rob someone of someone or something. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "steal" and "away." The two thieves stole the statue away by loading it into a helicopter and making off into the night sky. The gang has been stealing children away for years and brainwashing them as young soldiers. 3. To take someone or something away from someone, especially in a way that seems unfair or malicious. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "steal" and "away." The team had victory within their grasp, but with a last-minute field goal, the reigning champions stole it away from them. I don't know why you're so convinced that I'm trying to steal your boyfriend away, but it simply is not true! See also: away, steal steal from (someone or something) To take (money or property) from someone, some group, some institution, etc., illegally or without their knowledge or consent. A noun or pronoun can be used between "steal" and "from" to specify what is being stolen. People who sign onto social welfare when they don't really need it are just stealing from the government. After they caught their youngest son stealing money from them to pay for drugs, they had him shipped off to boarding school. Sarah has been accused of stealing food from the school cafeteria. See also: steal steal off (someone or something) To take (money or property) from someone, some group, some institution, etc., illegally or without their knowledge or consent. A noun or pronoun can be used between "steal" and "from" to specify what is being stolen. People who sign onto social welfare when they don't really need it are just stealing off the government. After they caught their youngest son stealing money off them to pay for drugs, they had him shipped off to boarding school. A group of bandits has been stealing supplies off travelers that pass through the region. See also: off, steal steal out of (some place) To leave some place secretly, inconspicuously, or discreetly. We stole out of the store before anyone had a chance to notice that we'd taken anything. I stole out of the meeting to answer a phone call about a new job opportunity. See also: of, out, steal steal over (someone or something) 1. To cover or move across someone or something slowly and gradually. Dark, ominous clouds stole over us, threatening to drench our picnic with rain. A shadow stole over the city as the giant spaceship blotted out the sun. 2. Of a state or condition, to engulf, envelop, or consume someone or something. Chaos stole over the entire country following the collapse of the monarchy. Gut-wrenching despair stole over us as we realized we were all going to lose our jobs. See also: over, steal steal the show To become the main focus of attention or deliver the most captivating performance in the presence of one or more others, typically unexpectedly. The opening band totally stole the show tonight—they were amazing. I'm sorry, I was trying to listen to your speech, but your adorable little sister stole the show when she came prancing out here. See also: show, steal steal the spotlight To garner attention or praise at the expense of someone or something else. My brother is the star athlete of our high school, so no matter what I succeed in, he's constantly stealing the spotlight. We were just about to announce our engagement when Jeff and Tina stole the spotlight and revealed that they were going to have a baby. See also: spotlight, steal stolen fruit is (the) sweetest That which is illicit or illegal is all the more enticing simply by being illicit or illegal. Some people end up cheating on their spouses and partners not out of some deep affection for the other person, but because stolen fruit is sweetest. Why slave away all day to buy nice things with our hard-earned money when there are ways to get them for free? Stolen fruit is the sweetest, after all. See also: fruit, stolen, sweet stolen fruit is sweet That which is illicit or illegal is all the more enticing simply by being illicit or illegal. Some people end up cheating on their spouses and partners not out of some deep affection for the other person, but because stolen fruit is sweet. Why slave away all day to buy nice things with our hard-earned money when there are ways to get them for free? Stolen fruit is sweet, after all. See also: fruit, stolen, sweet stolen pleasures are (the) sweetest That which is illicit or illegal is all the more enticing simply by being illicit or illegal. Some people end up cheating on their spouses and partners not out of some deep affection for the other person, but because stolen pleasures are sweetest. Why slave away all day to buy nice things with our hard-earned money when there are ways to get them for free? Stolen pleasures are the sweetest, after all. See also: pleasure, stolen, sweet Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. steal away (from someone or something) to sneak away from someone or something. The thief stole away from the policeman. We stole away from the boring lecture. See also: away, steal steal the spotlight and steal the show Fig. to give the best performance in a show, play, or some other event; to get attention for oneself. The lead in the play was very good, but the butler stole the show. Ann always tries to steal the spotlight when she and I make a presentation. See also: spotlight, steal stolen fruit is sweetest and stolen pleasures are sweetest Prov. People often enjoy illicit things just because they are illicit. To judge from the number of his extramarital affairs, John must believe that stolen pleasures are sweetest. See also: fruit, stolen, sweet McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. lock the barn door after the horse has bolted Also, lock the stable door after the horse is stolen. Take precautions after damage has occurred. For example, After the burglary they installed an alarm system, but it's locking the barn door, or Deciding to negotiate now after they've been fired-that's a matter of locking the stable door after the horse is stolen . These expressions of action that is useless because it comes too late have long been proverbs in many languages and first appeared in English in the mid-1300s. See also: after, barn, bolt, door, horse, lock steal the show Also, steal the spotlight. Be the center of attention, as in The speeches were interesting but Eliza's singing stole the show. This idiom alludes to unexpectedly outshining the rest of the cast in a theatrical production. [First half of 1900s] See also: show, steal The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. steal a march COMMON If you steal a march on someone, you do something before them and so gain an advantage over them. Investors from other countries will be annoyed that their rivals have once again stolen a march on them.. In the 1980s, they stole a march on other Europeans by attracting massive amounts of foreign investment. Note: If an army steals a march on the enemy, it moves secretly and takes the enemy by surprise. See also: march, steal steal the show COMMON If someone or something in a show or other event steals the show, they are more impressive or amusing than anyone or anything else and, as a result, get more attention or praise. All three singers gave impressive performances but it was Domingo who stole the show. It's Jack Lemmon who finally steals the show, turning in his finest performance in years. Note: You can describe someone or something that gets more attention than other people or things as a show-stealer. The show-stealer at Citywalk, however, isn't some Hollywood megastar, but a giant gorilla that hangs like King Kong from the front of the store. See also: show, steal Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. steal the show attract the most attention and praise. See also: show, steal Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary steal the ˈshow attract more attention and praise than other people in a particular situation: Actors don’t like working with animals because they often steal the show. See also: show, steal Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary steal away v. To leave quietly without being noticed: During the party, the lovers stole away to the garden. See also: away, steal The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. lock the barn/stable door after the horse has bolted/is stolen, to To take precautions after damage has been done. This proverb, found in many languages, first appeared in a French collection of ca. 1190 and found its way into a Middle English manuscript, Douce MS, by about 1350. It has been repeated ever since. Stanley Walker poked fun at it (The Uncanny Knacks of Mr. Doherty, 1941): “He locked the stable door while they were putting the cart before the horse.” See also: after, barn, bolt, door, horse, lock, stable The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer See also: lock the barn door after the horse has bolted lock the barn/stable door after the horse has bolted/is stolen, to lock the stable door after the horse has bolted lock the stable door after the horse is stolen closing the stable door after the horse has bolted close the barn door after the horse has bolted close the stable door after the horse has bolted shut/lock/close the stable door after the horse has bolted shut the stable door after the horse has bolted mend (one's) fences References in periodicals archive \|Three more crimes were reported but the victims did not want the street name disclosed: Front and rear number plates were stolen from a Ford Focus; a large amount of Yorkshire stone flags were stolen from a property; and a handbag containing debit card, driving licence, keys and mobile phone was stolen. Callous burglar stole PS10 birthday card gift While it is reasonable to see baseball as a game driven by stolen bases, particularly during the first sixteen years of the twentieth century, the philosophical shift toward employing fewer stolen bases, likely shaped by changes in managerial philosophy stemming from offensive woes derived from pitchers scuffing the baseball, began in 1916. Examining stolen base trends by decade from the deadball era through the 1970s Alleged to have stolen a packet of biscuits as he \|left Pear Deals, Oxford Road, Hartlepool (REF: H-14-2015) Help catch Help catch suspected crooks suspected crooks The second most popular car for thieves to target was the Honda Civic, with 46 reported stolen in Eugene this year to-date, and 43 in Springfield in 2013. Thieves target popular cars Groceries stolen from >Poundstretcher in Bridge Street, Blyth, on Friday, Oct 25, 2013 Can you help catch these suspects? Rainhill (17/01) Silver Audi RS stolen after struggle. THE TRAIL OF TERROR AND VIOLENCE More players started hitting home runs in the 1920s and 1930s, at the direct expense of stolen bases. Whither or whether the stolen base? For example, there may be an extended period of time between when the laptop was stolen and when the theft was discovered. Line of defense: simple, complex security measures help prevent lost and stolen laptops The company also offers Computrace, which helps secure data and track lost or stolen portable machines. Protecting campus data: portability can have its price. Here's how IT managers deal with stolen laptops After the VA hires a credit monitoring company, the Department will send a detailed letter to people whose sensitive personal information may have been included in the stolen data. VA, to provide free credit monitoring for data theft victims In the United Kingdom, several famous bronze statues have been stolen during the past year, with the recent theft of "The Watchers," a bronze sculpture, having an estimated value of 600,000 [pounds sterling] ($1 million). Book 'em: scrap dealers are taking steps to combat theft brought on by soaring secondary metals prices Ninety-nine in every 1000 Belmonts registered - a total of 1978 - were stolen last year, despite it ranking high in a recent poll of 'c ** p cars'. VAUXHAUL BELMONT; Banger is Britain's most stolen motor When two of the 'stolen generations'--as they have become known--went to court, the government spent over $10 million to defeat them, and won on a technicality. Australia continues her journey of healing; John Bond describes the struggle that lies behind a new memorial in Canberra to Australia's indigenous 'stolen' generations The flickering lights that Lenoue had seen were from a stolen car that the thieves were stripping for parts. Good Neighbor The thieves then used the stolen credit cards, sometimes within hours of the theft, to obtain cash at casinos. Health club credit card theft: a national crime problem
随便看	in fits in fits and starts in flagrante in flagrante (delicto) in flames inflate inflate a cow inflated inflate (something) with (something) inflate with inflict inflict on inflict (someone or something) (up)on (one) in flight influence influencer influencers in flux in focus in (the) light of (something) in the light of something in the limelight in the line of duty in the line of fire in the long haul