Finders keepers

usgb
phrase

The belief that something found by someone becomes their property.

I found this toy in the playground, so finders keepers!
Visual representation of "finders keepers" - The belief that something found by someone becomes their property

Often appears as...

  • finders keepers
  • losers weepers

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "finders keepers"
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Informal Use

The phrase is often used informally among friends, especially as a playful justification for keeping something found.

Illustration for Informal Use
Hey, I found a $10 bill on our walk. Finders keepers!
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Children's Games

Commonly heard in schoolyards and during children's games to claim found items.

Illustration for Children's Games
I found the last piece of candy hidden under the table, finders keepers!
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Ownership Challenge

Can be contested if the original owner comes forward; it's not a legal rule.

Illustration for Ownership Challenge
She tried to claim finders keepers on my lost watch, but I proved it was mine.
Visual representation of the word "Finders keepers"

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