stool pigeon
Plural
stool pigeons
1
a dummy pigeon used to decoy others
2
a person sent into a group as a spy to report on its activities
The idiom "stool pigeon" originated in the 19th century and is used to refer to a person who acts as an informant or betrayer, particularly in criminal contexts. The term finds its roots in the practice of trapping pigeons by placing a stool or decoy bird to attract them. This idiom carries a negative connotation, suggesting duplicity and disloyalty in one's actions.
- The undercover detective used a known criminal as a "stool pigeon" to gather evidence against the gang.
- The disgruntled employee acted as a "stool pigeon" and reported his coworkers' unauthorized activities to the management.
- The con artist posed as a fellow scam victim to gain the trust of others and later turned into a "stool pigeon" for the police.
- The mob boss suspected there was a "stool pigeon" within his organization, leaking information to rival gangs.
- The journalist relied on a "stool pigeon" to expose the corrupt practices of the politician.