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Region: US | Usage example: I heard it on the grapevine that the boss is considering raises.

Hear it on the grapevine

Meaning

Learn news through unofficial channels.

Usage

Used for rumors.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Civil War-era telegraph lines nicknamed grapevines.

Popularized through music and journalism in the 1960s.

Related Idioms

Hear a pin drop

The room is extremely quiet.

Hang in there

Persevere through tough times.

Shoot yourself in the foot

Harm yourself through your own actions.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.