Meaning of the word "there’s no (greater) thief like a bad book" in English

What does "there’s no (greater) thief like a bad book" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

there’s no (greater) thief like a bad book

US /ðɛrz noʊ ˈɡreɪtər θif laɪk ə bæd bʊk/
UK /ðɛəz nəʊ ˈɡreɪtə θiːf laɪk ə bæd bʊk/
"there’s no (greater) thief like a bad book" picture

Idiom

a proverb suggesting that a poorly written or harmful book wastes a reader's time and potential, which is more valuable than material possessions

Example:
I wasted three days reading that novel; truly, there’s no thief like a bad book.
Be careful what you choose to read, for there’s no greater thief like a bad book.