fifth column
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He lauded protesters and spoke directly to soldiers, telling them the war was illegal, perhaps hoping to inspire a fifth column — a term for groups of internal resisters, open or clandestine.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2022
“We’re framed in this idea that somehow we’re a fifth column trying to take the country down,” said James Jones, vice chair of the board of the Islamic Seminary of America.
From Seattle Times • Feb. 18, 2020
I’ve found myself scrolling through her work, pausing every fourth or fifth column to read or reread her guidance on how to navigate the world.
From Washington Post • Jun. 25, 2019
KM: You referred to a movement as a fifth column.
From Salon • Jul. 20, 2017
Henry Reid advised employees to stay on the lookout for spies disguised as Langley Field soldiers and warned of fifth column plants who might coax valuable research from unwitting laboratory employees.
From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.
