PhrasesHub

Hear it on the grapevine

    Definitions

      • hear a rumor or news indirectly
        To hear information through unofficial or informal channels, often without knowing the original source

    Examples of Hear it on the grapevine

    • The CEO's decision to downsize the company has been circulating through the rumor mill as we hear it on the grapevine.

      This idiom refers to the idea that information spreads informally and unofficially through a network of people, similar to the way grapes are transported along a vine. In this example, the news of the CEO's decision to downsize the company is not officially announced, but rather being whispered or discussed informally among employees in the company, creating a buzz of speculation.

    • I heard through the grapevine that Tom and Sarah are getting married next summer.

      This idiom is used to describe how information is transmitted informally and unofficially between people, again, in a similar way to the spreading of grapes on a vine. In this example, the speaker is relaying information they have learned indirectly or from indirect sources, rather than from the couple themselves or an official announcement.

    • It's on the grapevine that the company is considering relocating their headquarters.

      This idiom is used to describe how information is being spread informally and unofficially, often suggesting that the information may not be completely accurate or reliable. In this example, the speaker is indicating that they have received word of the possible relocation of the company's headquarters from other sources, rather than from the company itself.

    • I've been hearing all sorts of things on the grapevine about the upcoming company merger.

      In this instance, the speaker is describing how they have been receiving various pieces of information about the upcoming merger through indirect sources, rather than from authoritative or official channels. The use of this idiom gives the impression that the speaker is unsure of the accuracy or reliability of the information they have received, as it is being circulated informally.

    • My friend told me that she heard from a reliable source that the company is planning to downsize next month. I'm just waiting to hear it on the grapevine to confirm the news.

      The idiom "hear it on the grapevine" is used to convey that you have received information through informal or unofficial channels, similar to how grapes are passed around in clusters. In this example, the speaker's friend has received news about the company's downsizing through unofficial channels, and the speaker is waiting to hear the same rumor from other sources before confirming it.

    • I heard it on the grapevine that the new project will have a higher budget this year. I'm hoping that means we'll have more resources to work with.

      In this example, the speaker has received insider information about the budget for the new project through personal contacts or unofficial sources.

    • I've heard it on the grapevine that our boss is planning a surprise party for us next week. It's just a rumor, but I hope it's true!

      In this example, the speaker is eagerly awaiting confirmation about a potential office celebration through informal or unofficial channels.

    • I heard it on the grapevine that the team from the West Coast is planning to visit us next month. I'll send out an invitation as soon as I hear it's official.

      In this example, the speaker has received information about a potential meeting or collaboration through unofficial channels, and is waiting for official confirmation before extending invitations.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "hear it on the grapevine" is used to indicate that someone has learned information through informal means rather than through official communication channels. It suggests that the information may not be entirely reliable, as it has been passed along through various individuals before reaching the listener.

    This idiom is often used when discussing rumors or gossip, and it can also imply that the information is being spread quickly and widely. It can be used in both casual and more formal contexts to convey the idea that the information is not necessarily confirmed or trustworthy.

    Origin of "Hear it on the grapevine"

    The origin of the idiom "hear it on the grapevine" can be traced back to the telegraph and telephone systems of the 19th century. In those days, long-distance communication was often unreliable, and information was frequently passed along through informal channels.

    The phrase itself is thought to have originated in the United States, where it was used to describe the way information spread quickly through communities, much like the way grapevines grow and intertwine. The idiom gained popularity and eventually became a common expression in English-speaking countries around the world. Today, it is still used to convey the idea of hearing information through unofficial or informal means.