would-be robber

Frequency: 5.53.4 per million words

Someone who attempts to commit a robbery but fails.

robberADJECTIVE + robber

Categories:

would-be

Examples (10)

  • The would-be robber fled empty-handed.
  • Police quickly apprehended the would-be robber outside the bank.
  • A vigilant security guard foiled the would-be robber's plan.
  • The nervous would-be robber dropped his weapon and surrendered.
  • CCTV footage showed the would-be robber casing the store earlier.
  • Fortunately, the would-be robber was unarmed and easily overpowered.
  • The shop owner shouted, scaring off the would-be robber.
  • Investigators are searching for a would-be robber who attempted to break into several homes.
  • The alarm system successfully deterred the would-be robber.
  • His attempt was amateurish; he was a truly inept would-be robber.