"Rat stealth and dog theft" literally refers to stealing like rats and dogs, serving as a metaphor for petty thievery and furtive, dishonorable conduct. This idiom originates from the Records of the Grand Historian: The Biographies of Liu Jing and Shusun Tong, where the original text reads, "These are merely a bunch of bandits engaged in rat stealth and dog theft—hardly worth mentioning." It describes those insignificant thieves. In its deeper meaning, it refers not only to specific acts of theft but also broadly to all sneaky, despicable, and unseemly behaviors. It is mostly used in a derogatory sense, often to criticize certain people's misconduct and furtive behavior, or to describe a low-level type of criminal activity. In terms of cultural background, it reflects the ancient classification of theft, as rats and dogs are often associated with wretchedness and baseness in traditional culture. Emotionally, it carries a strong sense of contempt and disdain, expressing utter scorn for such behavior.
📝 Example
1. These petty thieves and sneaky rogues only dare to operate stealthily at night; they can never amount to anything significant. (Referring to despicable acts of petty theft)
2. Some sneaky and underhanded practices have emerged in the company, such as misappropriating office supplies without permission, and these must be dealt with seriously. (Broadly referring to dishonest little maneuvers)