This is the most common meaning of 'steal.' It means to take something without the owner's knowledge or agreement. The person who steals does not plan to give the thing back.
Someone stole my bag at the station.
He stole money from the shop.
In this meaning, 'steal' describes moving in a slow, quiet, and secret way. The person does not want others to see or hear them. This use is common in books and stories.
She stole out of the room very quietly.
He stole away before anyone could see him.
When something is called 'a steal,' it means you got it for a very low price compared to its true value. This is an informal, positive expression. People use it to show they are happy about a great deal.
This jacket was only ten dollars — what a steal!
At that price, the concert tickets are a steal.
In the sport of baseball, 'steal' has a specific technical meaning. A runner moves from one base to the next base while the pitcher throws the ball. This is a planned and skillful action during a game.
The player stole second base easily.
He can steal bases faster than anyone on the team.
This meaning is used when someone wins or takes something in a surprising or unexpected way. It often happens at the last moment and shocks everyone watching. It is often used in sports and competition contexts.
Our team stole the win in the last minute.
She stole first place from the favorite.
When someone 'steals' an idea or creative work, they use it as if it were their own without asking or giving credit. This is considered dishonest and unfair. It is similar to plagiarism in school or copyright theft in business.
He stole her idea and called it his own.
The company stole the design from a young artist.
This is a figurative and emotional use of 'steal.' It means that something or someone made you feel very strong emotions, like love or admiration, in a sudden and powerful way. The phrase 'steal someone's heart' is very common in everyday English.
The little girl stole everyone's heart at the show.
That puppy stole my heart the moment I saw it.
In this use, 'steal' means to do something very quickly and secretly, usually something small and personal like a kiss or a look. It gives the action a playful or romantic feeling. This is a very common expression in books, films, and everyday conversation.
He stole a quick kiss before she left.
She stole a glance at him across the room.
