Turncoats

Turncoats are individuals who abandon their former principles, party, cause, or allegiance, often for personal gain or to align themselves with a more powerful or advantageous position. They are perceived as disloyal and opportunistic, prioritizing self-interest over loyalty and conviction. The term implies a significant betrayal, a shift that is typically viewed negatively. This defection can manifest in political, social, or professional contexts, leaving behind previous commitments for perceived benefits or to avoid punishment.

Turncoats meaning with examples

• During the political upheaval, several prominent officials were labeled turncoats. They switched their allegiance to the opposing party, claiming their original ideals were no longer viable. This decision, widely condemned by their former supporters, granted them access to government posts, proving how opportunistic they were. This betrayal had significant consequences for their careers, and they became social pariahs.
• The manager, after promising employees he would not enact pay cuts, became a turncoat when he decided to slash wages. He claimed the company faced unexpected economic problems and to maintain profitability, such action was inevitable. The workforce, furious at his disloyalty, expressed their anger by organizing a strike, and morale plummeted. He was later removed from his position as a result.
• In the espionage novel, the protagonist discovered a double agent within their team: a turncoat who secretly transmitted vital information to the enemy. His actions, motivated by greed and a desire for power, led to numerous setbacks and loss of lives. The team members became suspicious of everyone and distrust grew, eventually leading to the capture of the villain.
• After years of advocating for environmental protection, the politician suddenly became a turncoat by supporting a bill that opened up a national park for industrial development. Public outcry followed his decision to change and they voiced their opinions in many protests, and his reputation suffered a major blow, and he lost the support of many long-term followers and his position was lost.