Meaning of stab-in-the-back myth | Babel Free

Definitions

1. The Dolchstoßlegende: a widespread historical conspiracy theory in right-wing circles in Germany after 1918, claiming that Germany did not lose World War I militarily and capitulated needlessly after having been betrayed by civilian leaders (especially Communists).
   historical
2. Any denialist myth misattributing failure to internal betrayal.
   broadly

Equivalents

Examples

“Aside from the Cantonese stab-in-the-back myth mentioned earlier, the most up-to-date and authoritative Chinese sources of information on Western affairs then available reinforced arguments in favor of jōi.”

“That is the process⟳ we are witnessing now: the steady nurturing of a stab-in-the-back myth for Brexit. History suggests that this hunt for the wielder of the treacherous dagger will only get⟳ nastier.”

CEFR level