Meaning of harmonica bug | Babel Free

Definitions

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.

Examples

“The most interesting device for tapping a telephone, though, is still the old reliable “harmonica bug,” which was invented in the early sixties by an electronics wizard from Lower Manhattan, Emanuel Mittleman.”

“Whoever invented the harmonica bug realized that it's nearly impossible to find a bug that isn't operating, so he devised one that can be turned on and off by remote control.”

“It is, of course, tough to find a bug that isn't operating, which is at the heart of the harmonica bug principle.”

“The misplaced telephone receiver suggests they may have left a harmonica bug.”

CEFR level