fifth column
A group of people which clandestinely undermines a larger group, such as a nation, to…A group of people which clandestinely undermines a larger group, such as a nation, to which it is expected to be loyal.
Meaning
2 sensesA group of people which clandestinely undermines a larger group, such as a nation, to which it is expected to be loyal.
Fünfte Kolonne
пя́тая коло́ннаpjátaja kolónna
п'я́та коло́наpʺjáta kolóna
Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see fifth, column.
- a subversive group that supports the enemy and engages in espionage or sabotage; an enemy in your midst
Translations
7 languagesBy meaning 1
By meaning 1
By meaning 1
Origin
From a 1936 radio address by Spanish Nationalist general Emilio Mola, in which he spoke ofFrom a 1936 radio address by Spanish Nationalist general Emilio Mola, in which he spoke of four of his army columns moving on Madrid and a fifth column (quinta columna) consisting of his militant supporters within the capital, intent on undermining the Republican government from within.
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Forms
plural: fifth columns| Singular | fifth column |
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| Plural | fifth columns |
regular
Synonyms
1 synonyms- a subversive group that supports the enemy and engages in espionage or sabotage; an enemy in your midst:Trojan horse