mit jemandem Pferde stehlen können

to be able to rely on someone completely; a trustworthy partner in crime

Origin

Attested since the early 17th century (e.g. in Zacharias Theobald, 1621). Because horse theft was severely punished in earlier times, horse thieves had to be able to rely on each other completely - hence the phrase stands for unconditional trust.

Source

Building blocks

Words in this expression

Examples

  • Auf Anna ist Verlassmit ihr kann Pferde .

    You can always count on Anna — she's someone you can go through thick and thin with.