Green’s Dictionary of Slang

(Aus. Und.) the murder or kidnapping of a target by using a close friend or family member as an unwitting facilitator.

1991

M.B. ‘Chopper’ Read Chopper From The Inside 154: The Apple Cucumber is to kill or capture your target by using a close friend or family member. I will give you an example. I wish to kill Mr X but Mr X is aware of the plot and is on guard. I steer an agent of mine into Mr X’s friend, in a pub, club or race track. My agent is always careful never to mention my name. Mr X’s friend and my man become great mates, drinking together, going to parties. My agent may even get to meet Mr X and they may all go out together. Eventually the friend will say to my agent, ‘Can I bring my mate with me?’. Bingo. I have Mr X where I want him. The agent tells me that Mr X will be at such and such a hotel at 6.30 that night. My agent meets them for a drink. He walks out one door, I walk in the other... and that’s the Apple Cucumber.