PhrasesHub

Fifth column

    Definitions

      • a group or faction within a country that undermines its own government
        Refers to a group of people who act as traitors or spies within their own country, working against their own government or military. Often used in a political context.

      • secret agents or sympathizers working within an enemy country
        Describes a group of individuals who work as spies or sympathizers for an enemy country, often with the purpose of gathering information or sabotaging the enemy's efforts. Can also refer to a group of individuals who support an enemy country's goals or ideologies.

      • a hidden force or threat within a larger group
        Used to describe a potential danger or threat that is hidden within a larger group or organization. Can also refer to a group of individuals who secretly work together to undermine or weaken a larger group.

    Examples of Fifth column

    • In the midst of the political upheaval, it was discovered that a fifth column of disillusioned soldiers had infiltrated the army, working secretly to sabotage the military's efforts from within.

      The phrase "fifth column" originated during the Spanish Civil War and refers to a group of individuals who secretly work against their own side from within. In this example, the soldiers, who are supposed to be loyal to their own army, are working as a subversive group against their own military forces. This usage of the "fifth column" idiom highlights the concept of an internal threat to a larger organization or movement.

    • Many companies have experienced the devastation of a fifth column working against them from within. Often, it takes the form of disgruntled employees who leak valuable information to competitors or sabotage the company's objectives.

      This usage of the "fifth column" idiom is applicable to any organization that relies on the loyalty and trust of its members. In this case, a fifth column is perceived as a group of individuals working against the company's interests from within, thereby causing damage or loss to the organization.

    • Rulers have long feared the existence of a hidden fifth column that could work against them to undermine their regimes. Some have even accused their political enemies of forming such groups, although the evidence of such conjectures is often highly speculative.

      This example refers to the classic usage of the phrase "fifth column," which has its roots in the Spanish Civil War. In this context, the "fifth column" denotes a group of individuals who are attempting to overthrow a government or regime from within. The term is frequently used to describe internal political turmoil or coup d'état, where a subversive faction infiltrates the ruling party and sets about changing its policies.

    • While the internet has revolutionized the way we communicate and interact, it has also given rise to new forms of fifth column activities. From online trolls to hacktivists, the internet has become a breeding ground for those determined to disrupt established norms and values.

      This final example shows the versatility of the "fifth column" idiom in adapting to contemporary contexts. In this modern usage, the term refers to individuals or groups that use the anonymity and global reach of the internet to subvert the values or norms of established institutions or societies. It is a metaphor for how technology has enabled individuals and entities to covertly challenge established norms and values, representing a new variant of the familiar "fifth column" concept.

    • In the midst of the peaceful protest, a fifth column of agitators suddenly appeared, causing chaos and disrupting the rally.

      This idiom is used to describe a group of people who work secretly against their own supposed alliance or country. The term "fifth column" implies that the traitorous element is hidden within the larger group, much like a fourth column of soldiers would be hidden behind the other three columns in a military formation. In this example, the peaceful protest is being disrupted by a group of individuals who are actually working against the protesters' cause or their country itself.

    • The intricate plot against the government was unraveled when the authorities discovered a fifth column of spies within the ranks of the legislative branch.

      This idiom is used to describe a group of traitorous individuals who are secretly working against their own organization or cause from within. In this example, a group of spies working against the government has infiltrated the legislative branch, operating covertly in order to undermine the government's efforts.

    • The accusations against the mayor have left many wondering if there is a fifth column of detractors working against him in the local government.

      This idiom is used to suggest that there may be individuals working covertly against a person or cause, particularly within an organization or group. In this example, accusations against the mayor have raised questions about the possibility that there is a group of individuals within the local government who are working against him in order to undermine his leadership or accomplishments.

    • The company's decision to downsize was met with resistance from a fifth column of disgruntled employees who felt threatened by the changes.

      This idiom is used to suggest that there may be individuals working covertly against a company or decision made by its leadership. In this example, the decision to downsize the company's workforce has been met with resistance from a group of employees who are working against the decision covertly, perhaps because they feel threatened by the changes or because they oppose the leadership's decision.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "fifth column" can have multiple meanings, but they all revolve around the idea of a hidden or secret force working against a larger group. Whether it is used to describe a group of traitors within a country, secret agents in an enemy country, or a hidden threat within a larger organization, the intention is to convey the idea of a hidden enemy or danger.

    Origin of "Fifth column"

    The term "fifth column" originated during the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s. It was coined by General Emilio Mola, who claimed he had four columns of troops marching towards Madrid to take over the city, and a "fifth column" of sympathizers and supporters within the city who would help with the takeover. The term gained popularity and was later used in World War II to refer to spies and sympathizers working within enemy countries.

    The term "fifth column" is derived from a military strategy of dividing an enemy's defenses into multiple sections, with the fifth column being the one that works from within. It has since been used in a wider context to refer to any hidden or secret group working against a larger group or organization.