Stool Pigeon for Dummies

Stool Pigeon is a two-word phrase that might sound a bit strange at first, but it's actually an expression used to describe a person who acts as a spy or informant. It's sort of like being a secret agent, but instead of fighting bad guys, this person helps catch people who are doing something wrong or illegal.

Imagine you are playing a game of hide and seek, and you have a friend who always helps the seeker find all the hiders by telling them where everyone is hiding. Well, in real-life situations, a stool pigeon is like that friend, but instead of a game, they help the authorities or the police catch people who are breaking the law or doing something they shouldn't be doing.

The expression "stool pigeon" actually originates from the practice of trapping birds, specifically pigeons, many, many years ago. Trappers would set up a trap called a "stool" and tie a pigeon to it using a string. The pigeon would then attract other pigeons to come over, thinking they found a nice spot to sit or eat. Once the other pigeons were caught, the trappers were able to capture and sell them. So, in a way, the stool pigeon is like an undercover bird that attracts others into getting caught or trapped.

Now, when we use the term "stool pigeon" to talk about people, it means that someone is acting as an undercover agent to help catch or expose others who are doing something wrong. This person might gather information, spy on others, or even pretend to be friends with someone involved in bad activities, all for the purpose of helping the authorities take action against those doing wrongdoing.

So, to summarize, a stool pigeon is a person who secretly provides information to help catch or expose others who are doing something wrong or illegal. It's like being a secret agent, but instead of fighting bad guys, this person helps the good guys bring the wrongdoers to justice.