stool pigeon
复数形式
stool pigeons
1
诱饵鸽, 假鸽子
a dummy pigeon used to decoy others
2
线人, 间谍
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.
卧底侦探利用一名已知罪犯作为线人收集针对该团伙的证据。
- The disgruntled employee acted as a "stool pigeon" and reported his coworkers' unauthorized activities to the management.
不满的员工充当了告密者，并向管理层报告了同事的未经授权的活动。
- 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.
骗子假装是另一个骗局的受害者以获得他人的信任，后来变成了警察的线人。
- The mob boss suspected there was a "stool pigeon" within his organization, leaking information to rival gangs.
黑帮老大怀疑他的组织里有一个告密者，向敌对帮派泄露信息。
- The journalist relied on a "stool pigeon" to expose the corrupt practices of the politician.
记者依靠一名线人来揭露政客的腐败行为。