fifth columnOrigin of fifth column
translated, translation of Spanish quinta columna: first used (1936) by the Spanish Nationalist General Mola, who, besieging Madrid with four columns from the outside, boasted of having a “fifth column” of civilian supporters within
MLA Style
"fifth column." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 14 January 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/fifth-column>.
APA Style
fifth column. (n.d.). Retrieved January 14th, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/fifth-column
noun
Origin of fifth column
First applied in 1936 to rebel sympathizers inside Madrid when four columns of rebel troops were attacking that cityRelated Forms:
noun
noun
MLA Style
"fifth column." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 14 January 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/fifth-column>.
APA Style
fifth column. (n.d.). Retrieved January 14th, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/fifth-column
(plural fifth columns)
From a 1936 radio address by Spanish Nationalist general Emilio Mola, in which he spoke of four of his army columns moving on Madrid and a quinta columna consisting of his militant supporters within the capital, intent on undermining the Republican government from within.
MLA Style
"fifth column." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 14 January 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/fifth-column>.
APA Style
fifth column. (n.d.). Retrieved January 14th, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/fifth-column
