a prison officer doing a surprise cell-search, especially of an officer who is considered an expert in this business. Heavily ironic UK, 1980.
2
the operator of a dishonest carnival game US, 1950
(redirected from burglar)
time burglar
A person or thing that distracts or takes time from more useful or productive activities. I'm trying to catch up on work after being out sick, but my inbox is such a time burglar.I'll call my mom back later—she can be a real time burglar, and I need to finish up this essay.