steal

B2 · Upper Intermediate Literary

v. to move very quietly and secretly so that nobody sees or hears you.

v. to move silently or surreptitiously, often to avoid detection.

“She tried to steal out of the house without waking her parents.”

“He managed to steal into the library unnoticed, hoping to find the documents before the morning staff arrived.”

B1 · Intermediate

v. to use someone else's ideas, words, or jokes and pretend they are your own.

v. to appropriate ideas, credit, or creative work without acknowledgement.

“It is not fair to steal your classmate's ideas for your own project.”

“The comedian was accused of stealing jokes from smaller performers and using them in his televised special.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to look at something quickly and secretly.

v. to perform an action, such as looking or kissing, in a quick and surreptitious manner.

“He tried to steal a glance at her phone to see who was calling.”

“During the long meeting, she occasionally stole a look at the clock, counting the minutes until she could leave.”

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Informal

n. something that is sold at such a low price that it feels like you are taking it for free.

n. an item purchased at a price significantly below its perceived or market value.

“At only ten dollars, this designer jacket is an absolute steal.”

“The vintage camera was a steal at the local flea market, especially considering it was still in perfect working condition.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Sports

n. an act of taking the ball away from the other team during a game.

n. the act of a defensive player legally gaining possession of the ball or puck from an opponent.

“The defender made a brilliant steal and ran to the other end of the court.”

“His record-breaking number of steals during the season made him a top candidate for the league's defensive player of the year award.”