steal (someone's) clothes

steal (someone's) clothes

To advance or appropriate someone else's ideas, policies, or agendas as one's own. Many believe the challenger is really trying to steal the incumbent's clothes and beat him at his own game.See also: clothes, steal

steal someone's clothes

BRITISH, JOURNALISMIf a politician or political party steals another's clothes, they take their ideas or policies and pretend that these are their own. Instead, Labour has been allowed to steal the Conservatives' clothes by promising to involve the private-health sector. It would be stealing their political clothes — and few politicians can resist this opportunity.See also: clothes, steal

steal someone's clothes

appropriate someone's ideas or policies. British informalSee also: clothes, steal