There’s no guarding against the privy thief.
There’s no guarding against the privy thief.
Meaning in plain English
Someone with trusted access may be harder to guard against than an outsider. Protection should consider internal access and accountability as well as external barriers.
Example
A small association records withdrawals from its shared supplies and reviews them together, rather than relying only on a locked cupboard with several keyholders.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The privy thief is difficult to detect because closeness or authorised access bypasses an ordinary boundary. The proverb points to a limit of safeguards aimed only at strangers. A useful arrangement gives people the access they need and records important actions without making personal suspicion the organising principle. Such checks can also reveal mistakes and protect an honest person from an unfounded accusation. The saying’s absolute wording overstates the case: sensible internal controls can reduce the exposure.
When to use it
Use it to consider accountability for trusted access.
Keep in mind
The source’s claim that guarding is impossible is rhetorical. Do not presume misconduct simply because someone has access.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-05. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Source
- A Polyglot of Foreign Proverbs (1857)
Printed page 16; French section, paragraph 325; source wording: Du larron privé on ne peut se garder.
Read the original context ↗ - Attribution confidence
- traditional · historical anthology
Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
- Undated
No reliable date supplied by the collection. - Rights & edition
- Public domain (United States)
Translations and rights may differ elsewhere.
Provenance and licences ↗