The idiom ‘partner in crime' means ‘to have an accomplice in mischief’ or ‘a really close friend’. The video explains the meaning of the idiom 'partner in crime' in English. We explain how to use it with some easy examples for Social and Business English.
Literally, a ‘partner in crime’ is someone aiding or abetting another person in committing a crime or a deception. Figuratively, the idiom can be used when someone is referring to a close/best friend or partner in their life. ‘Partner in crime’ is usually used when speaking in a positive light about another person, and you might also hear the colloquial variant ‘as thick as thieves’ (Ireland or U.K.) to talk about two people who are or were really close. This idiom is more commonly heard in social situations than in professional environments.
Further Examples:
Those two have been partners in crime since they were kids.
The deputy manager and the business manager have a really close relationship. They’re partners in crime.