harmonica bug

Meaning

Noun

An electronic eavesdropping device (bug) that attaches to a landline telephone and is activated or deactivated by a specific tone. When activated, it prevents the telephone from ringing but activates its microphone to transmit to another telephone at a remote location.

Origin

From harmonica for the tone that activates or deactivates the device, and bug (an electronic eavesdropping device).

Modern English dictionary

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