steal

To take someone else’s money or belongings without permission and keep them.

• Someone stole my phone.
• Did he steal money from the shop?
• The police caught her stealing a car.

How to use it: steal something from someone/something (Someone stole a bicycle from our garage.)

Similar words: take, rob

Common phrases: steal something, steal from someone, steal someone’s wallet

To get a small chance to do something quietly or secretly.

• He stole a glance at her.
• They stole a kiss behind the door.
• I stole a few minutes to read.

How to use it: steal a glance at someone/something (She stole a glance at the clock.)

Similar words: snatch

Common phrases: steal a glance, steal a kiss, steal a moment

In baseball, to reach another base safely during a pitch without help from a hit or similar play.

• He tried to steal second base.
• She stole two bases in one inning.
• Can that runner steal third?

Common phrases: steal a base, steal second base, steal third base

To buy something for much less money than it is worth.

• At that price, you practically stole it.
• He stole that painting for fifty dollars.
• We practically stole the furniture at the closing sale.

How to use it: steal something for an amount (She practically stole that bike for twenty pounds.)

Common phrases: steal something for, practically steal something

Something you can buy for a surprisingly low price.

• This bag is a steal.
• Those shoes were a real steal at that price.
• Is the bike still a steal after repairs?

How to use it: a steal at an amount (This jacket is a steal at ten pounds.)

Similar words: bargain

Common phrases: a real steal, an absolute steal, a steal at

A baseball play in which a runner reaches another base safely during a pitch without help from a hit.

• The runner attempted a steal.
• Her steal of second helped the team score.
• He finished the season with twenty steals.

Similar words: stolen base

Common phrases: a successful steal, a steal attempt, a double steal