cradle-snatching

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cradle-snatching

The act of being romantically involved with a much younger person. Primarily heard in UK. He's known for his cradle-snatching—he's currently dating a woman 25 years younger than him.

cradle-snatching

BRITISH or

robbing the cradle

AMERICAN

Cradle-snatching is the practice of having a sexual relationship with a much younger partner. The woman is even older than his mother. It's cradle snatching! There'll always be those who accuse you of robbing the cradle. Note: You can describe someone who does this in British English as a cradle snatcher or, in American English, as a cradle robber. The ageing actress is a cradle snatcher, says her toyboy's family. Women who make off with men 15 to 30 years younger are viewed as neurotic cradle robbers. Note: These expressions are usually used in a disapproving way.

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012

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References in periodicals archive ?

When it's an older man with a younger woman, no one bats an eyelid but when a 48-yearold woman dates a younger guy, it's looked upon as cradle snatching or a midlife crisis.

It's black and white, star Liam is a racist; Jean voices her disappointment and horror at actor Neeson's black man kill confession

In Beneath the Surface of South Africa's Shame, Winnie's flaws are characterised, through her financial corruption, as "cradle snatching", but above all her involvement in Stompie Moeketsi's and Lolo Sono's brutal deaths.

Winnie Mandela suffered racial hatred under apartheid and gender bias from men

A NO ONE would deny it's a large age gap, but your lover is hardly cradle snatching.

My age gap lover won't go public

You can't help who you're attracted to - and why the hell should you worry about those people sounding off about toys boys and cradle snatching.

Why we love toy boys; MORE FUN & BETTER IN BED SAY WOMEN

They wouldn't accuse a man of cradle snatching, so you don't have to put up with it either.

YOUR LIFE: SEX TALK My fear over toy boy lover

Despite their eight-year age difference, she refutes charges of cradle snatching. 'You're looking for scandal aren't you!' she laughs.

A touch of Frost; Charlie Melvin takes a call from Kirsty McGee

Talk about cradle snatching! If she were any younger she wouldn't have a bra for him to fight with.

You can't be serious

It is easier for a man and more acceptable to go out with a younger woman, whereas it's still looked upon as cradle snatching if it's the other way around.

Maura Derrane: I DON'T BELIEVE THESE SURVEYS

And are turning cradle snatching into a social trend.

Bolder ladies turn tables on those grumpy old men; She makes you think twice

So stop cradle snatching and find something more useful to do -

Just Joan; I'm sleeping with fiancee's brother

Talk about cradle snatching! Many of the players look barely old enough to shave.

Make the stars pay tax like the rest of us!

But at least she won't be accused of cradle snatching this time.

Grey man for Lulu

So no more cradle snatching and I sincerely hope you find someone nearer your own age in the near future.