Idioms Made Easy: A Beginner’s Guide to ‘Partners in Crime

And now, Learning the Lingo from English Success Coaching!

Today, we’re exploring a playful expression that sounds a bit dangerous but is really about friendship: partners in crime. This phrase refers to two people who are always together, often doing fun or mischievous things. It doesn’t mean they’re committing real crimes—it simply describes two close friends teaming up, especially for exciting or sneaky plans.

Think of two friends who sneak snacks into the movies or plan a surprise birthday party together. In moments like these, they are “partners in crime.” The idiom suggests a special bond where two people enjoy working together, often sharing secrets or clever ideas.

Can you think of a time when you and a friend teamed up for a fun or secret plan? Write it down—we’ll come back to it soon!

Learn the Lingo

When someone calls two people partners in crime, they mean those two have a close, supportive friendship, often with a playful twist. You’ll usually hear it about friends who enjoy getting into harmless mischief or share exciting adventures. For example, two students might pull a prank at school, and afterward, proudly say, “We’re partners in crime!”

This idiom isn’t about lawbreaking. It reflects teamwork and fun. A related phrase is two peas in a pod, meaning two people who are always together and think alike. Another similar saying is thick as thieves, which means being very close, sharing secrets, and always having each other’s backs—just like partners in crime.

If you have a friend who’s always by your side, helping you with plans or adventures, they might be your “partner in crime.” These expressions help describe the kind of friendship where both people make each other’s lives a bit more exciting and fun.

How to Use the Idiom in Different Situations

At School:
You could call your friend a “partner in crime” if you work on school projects together or play pranks on classmates. “We’re partners in crime—we always come up with the best ideas!”

At Work:
In a work setting, it might describe two colleagues who enjoy collaborating on creative projects. “My coworker and I are partners in crime when it comes to brainstorming new ideas.”

With Family or Friends:
Siblings who plan pranks or surprises together are often partners in crime. For example: “Remember how we teamed up to surprise Mom with breakfast in bed? We’re such partners in crime!”

Origin Story

The phrase partners in crime comes from literature and storytelling, where characters often team up for secret or mischievous deeds. Though the word “crime” makes it sound illegal, it has evolved to focus more on teamwork, loyalty, and friendship in playful situations. It paints a picture of two people united in their mission—whether serious or silly.

Cultural Insight

You’ll hear this idiom in movies, TV shows, and everyday conversations. Characters in comedies or adventure films often refer to each other as “partners in crime” when they work together on a mission. It highlights the fun of teaming up with someone for a shared goal, especially when it involves clever tricks or creative thinking.

Theme-Related Idioms

1. Two peas in a pod – Always together and very similar.
2. Thick as thieves – Extremely close friends who share everything.
3. Birds of a feather flock together – People with similar interests stick together.
4. Joined at the hip – Inseparable friends or partners.
5. In cahoots – Secretly working together on something.

Idiom Substitution Challenge

Try swapping the sentences below using “partners in crime” or a related idiom:

1. Sarah and I always hang out—we’re so close!
2. You and Ben come up with the most creative ideas together.
3. Emma and Ava are inseparable—they do everything together.

Closing Thoughts

The idiom partners in crime is a fun way to describe a close friendship filled with teamwork and excitement. Whether it’s sneaking into a concert or pulling off a clever prank, having a partner in crime makes life more adventurous!

Here’s a little challenge for you: Try calling someone your “partner in crime” this week and see how they react!

And that’s all for today’s Learning the Lingo. Don’t forget to check out other idioms insights. Until next time, I’m Coach Ryan.

Vocabulary in This Text

1. Mischievous – Liking to cause trouble in a playful way.
2. Tight-knit – Closely connected, with strong relationships.
3. Loyal – Always supporting someone, even in difficult situations.
4. Prank – A playful trick to surprise or amuse someone.
5. Collaborate – To work together to create something.