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Stool pigeon
01
piccione decoy, piccione trappola
a dummy pigeon used to decoy others
02
informatore, spia
a person sent into a group as a spy to report on its activities
Idiom
Informal
Old use
What is the origin of the idiom "stool pigeon" and when to use it?
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.
stool pigeon
n