Hear it on the grapevine

Meaning

Learn news through unofficial channels.

Usage

Used for rumors.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

From the 'grapevine telegraph', a 19th-century name for the spread of rumours, sometimes said to refer to telegraph wires strung like vines.

In use since the 19th century; made famous by the 1960s soul hit.