Wiktionary
n. (thief in the night English)
Wikipedia
Thieves in the Night: Chronicle of an Experiment is a novel by Arthur Koestler written in 1946. Originally intended to be the first of a trilogy, Koestler later concluded that the book stood well enough on its own for further novels to be redundant.
Based on the author's own experiences in a kibbutz, it sets up a stage in describing the historical roots of the conflict between Arabs and Jewish settlers in the British ruled Palestine.
The book tackles many subjects, such as Zionism and idealism. Koestler was Zionist early in life, but later abandoned the idea.
The title is a Biblical reference, quoted on the title page:
"But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night." ( 2 Peter 3:10)Related Biblical references:
"If thieves came to thee, if robbers by night, (how art thou cut off!) would they not have stolen till they had enough? if the grapegatherers came to thee, would they not leave some grapes?" ( Obadiah 1:5) "If grapegatherers come to thee, would they not leave some gleaning grapes? If thieves by night, they will destroy till they have enough." ( Jeremiah 49:9)Usage examples of "thieves in the night".
To keep Silvertree safe you need fresh swords, and put out the call, urging friendly barons to do the same, proclaiming a blood price on this dark legacy of darker Blackgult, come down on fair Aglirta like thieves in the night.
The American base at Cavite, along the shore of Manila Bay, burns real good once the Nips have set it on fire, Bobby Shaftoe and the rest of the Fourth Marines get a good long look at it as they cruise by, sneaking out of Manila like thieves in the night.
It must have been you, or those acting by your orders, who took her and her friend away, coming like thieves in the night, violating the honor of your house and the hospitality owed to strangers.
He pointed to us and said, 'These men come like thieves in the night, O Sidi, to steal from us the wealth of Kasbah Foum.