supergrass
Definition
Noun: - A police informer who implicates many people: A person, typically a criminal, who provides the police with extensive information about a large number of people involved in criminal activities, often in exchange for leniency or protection.
Usage
The word "supergrass" is used to describe an informant whose testimony is particularly valuable because it leads to the arrest and conviction of numerous other criminals. It is a specific term, often used in British and Commonwealth contexts, related to organized crime or terrorism cases.
Examples
- Noun:
- The drug cartel was dismantled after a supergrass provided names and details of its entire operation.
- Fearing for his life, the supergrass was given a new identity by the witness protection program.
Advanced Usage
- The term often carries a negative connotation, implying betrayal of associates for personal gain or to avoid severe punishment.
- It is frequently used in journalistic and legal contexts when discussing major criminal trials.
Variants and Related Words
- Grass (noun, chiefly British slang): A police informer. ("Supergrass" is an intensified form of this word.)
- Informer (noun): A more general term for a person who informs on others to the authorities.
- Stool pigeon (noun, informal): An informant, especially one used by the police.
Synonyms
- Informer
- Snitch (informal)
- Betrayer
- Turncoat
Related Phrases/Idioms
- To turn supergrass: To become a police informer who implicates many people.
- Facing a life sentence, he decided to turn supergrass and testify against his former gang.
Noun
-
a police informer who implicates many people
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