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.

In fact, because many children didn’t show symptoms of the infection or had only mild, flu-like symptoms, they functioned almost like an undetected fifth column in spreading the virus to adults.

From Los Angeles Times

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

In Belarus, or in former Soviet Union, they call it “fifth column,” those who are promoting Western values, democracy.

From Washington Post

“We will not allow fifth column activities under new guises,” Altun said.

From Seattle Times

He paints his Jewish opponents as weak, self-hating “leftists,” and Arab politicians as a potential fifth column of terrorist sympathizers.

From Seattle Times