We' re living in a den of thieves

[Conoscenza SIlente]

Hi All
do you know what does the idiom "We' re living in a den of thieves" mean and in which context it is used?
Can it be used in formal occasions or it is best to use it with strict friends?
Thanks

[susiedqq]

den = dwelling place

Thieves would hide. They would hide in a dirty place. They usually are not good people.

So "living in a den of theives" would be staying or hanging out with not very good people in not very good circumstances.

(Is this a song lyric or book title?)

[Gillnetter]

Hi All
do you know what does the idiom "We' re living in a den of thieves" mean and in which context it is used?
Can it be used in formal occasions or it is best to use it with strict friends?
Thanks

Living in a den of thieves means that you are living around some people who may not be the best to be around. It is an old saying. A den is usually thought of as a place where animals (bears and such) live. I would not use this term on formal occasions - unless you really want to point out that you live in a bad area.

[manustone]

This sentence is taken from the song "US" by Regina Spektor