inside agent; interior battle line; internal phone line; inside connection
Meanings
4 senses · 11 examplesnoun
mole; inside agent; plant
Used in espionage, law enforcement, and competitive intelligence contexts.
The police planted an inside agent in this drug trafficking ring.
He is a mole sent by a rival company.
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The intelligence agency obtained the enemy's battle plan through an inside agent.
noun
interior battle line; interior lines
technicalMilitary terminology contrasting with 'exterior lines' (外线).
The troops were trapped in a situation of interior-line operations.
In interior-line operations, logistical supplies are often extremely difficult.
noun
internal telephone line; extension line
Contrasts with 'external line' (外线) which connects to outside numbers.
Please dial the internal line and transfer to extension 808.
This number is an internal line; outside callers cannot reach it.
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Internal lines can only connect to colleagues within the office building.
noun
inside connections; backdoor channels; pull
informalOften used in the phrase '走内线' (to use inside connections). Can carry a slight negative connotation implying unfair advantage.
He got this job through inside connections.
This matter can only be handled through backdoor channels.
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Don't always think about using backdoor channels; rely on your own strength instead.