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Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Describe close companions and collaborators while noticing when a crime-related word is too serious.
VOA source audio
Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptThe story describes “partners in crime” as close friends who share playful or adventurous activities, even though the phrase usually refers to nothing illegal. It also introduces “thick as thieves,” “sidekick,” and “wingman/wingwoman,” while distinguishing the serious meaning of “accomplice.”
Cultural note: “Partners in crime” is playful and usually harmless in everyday speech, but it can be inappropriate in a serious legal context. “Accomplice” normally suggests helping with wrongdoing, so use “partner,” “teammate,” or “collaborator” for ordinary work.
Keep exploringA close friend can be your partner in a harmless adventure—or a dependable teammate on a project. Learn which expressions feel playful and which carry a serious meaning.
Phrase guide · 5 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Describe friends who share plans, secrets, or adventures.
Meaning
Close companions who often share playful, adventurous, or mischievous activities.
Tone & use
Usually humorous and not about actual crime. The context should make the playful meaning clear.
Example
“My cousin and I were partners in crime at family game night, inventing silly rules for every round.”
Meaning
Very close and trusting, often sharing many things with each other.
Tone & use
Informal and somewhat old-fashioned. It is usually used about close friends or relatives.
Example
“The two neighbors became thick as thieves after working on the community garden together.”
Meaning
A close helper or companion, especially one who supports the main person in an activity or story.
Tone & use
Often playful in everyday use and common for characters in books and films. It can imply that one person has a supporting role.
Example
“My dog is my hiking sidekick and comes along on every easy trail.”
Choose neutral language for people who collaborate.
Meaning
A friend who supports someone in a social situation; more broadly, a supportive teammate.
Tone & use
Informal. Some people prefer the gender-neutral “wingmate.” It can sound dated or carry dating-related assumptions, so context matters.
Example
“At the networking event, Priya was my wingwoman and introduced me to a few people.”
Separate playful idioms from terms connected with real wrongdoing.
Recognition caution
Meaning
A person who helps someone commit a crime or other wrongdoing.
Tone & use
Use carefully: unlike the playful idiom “partner in crime,” this word usually has a serious negative meaning.
Example
“Police said the driver was an accomplice in the robbery.”
Usually implies helping with an actual crime or wrongdoing; not a casual synonym for coworker or friend.
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
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