# rob the cradle

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/rob-the-cradle
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To marry or become romantically involved with a much younger person, especially one from a younger generation.

## Examples

- People often tease him because he likes to rob the cradle.
- When he started dating a college student, his friends joked that he was robbing the cradle.
- Despite the significant age gap between them, he ignored the whispers of those who accused him of robbing the cradle.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.