a little bird told me: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘a little bird told me’ mean?
The idiom "a little bird told me" is used to indicate that the speaker has received information from an unidentified source. It suggests that the speaker wants to convey the information without revealing the true source, possibly to protect someone or maintain a sense of mystery.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "word on the wire" refers to information or rumors that are being passed around, especially through unofficial or informal channels. It suggests that the information is not widely known or confirmed, and may be based on hearsay or gossip.
The idiom "let on" means to reveal or disclose something, often a secret or information that was previously unknown. It implies that the information was not openly known or shared, and someone has now chosen to make it known to others.
The idiom "know beans about" means to have little or no knowledge about a particular subject or topic.
The idiom "know beans about" is common in American English and is used to indicate a lack of knowledge or understanding about a subject. This phrase dates back to at least the 19th century, and its origin is believed to be rooted in rural America where beans were a staple food.
The idiom "kernel of truth" refers to a small piece of truth or accuracy within a larger statement or claim.
The idiom "kernel of truth" is a widely used phrase in the English language. It signifies the presence of a small element of truth within a larger context that may be exaggerated or distorted. The term "kernel" refers to the core or essential part of something, while "truth" denotes accuracy or veracity.
The idiom "I tell you" is used to emphasize the speaker's earnestness or certainty in what they are saying.
The idiom "I tell a lie" is used to confess that the previous statement was false or untrue.
The idiom "I tell a lie" is a relatively uncommon phrase in American English. It is often used in informal conversation to convey a sense of humor or sarcasm. The phrase is used to indicate that the speaker is making an exaggerated or exaggerated statement, often in a self-mocking or self-deprecating manner.
The idiom "I'm telling you" is used to emphasize the speaker's certainty or conviction about something they are saying. It serves to convince or persuade the listener to trust and believe what the speaker is telling them.
The idiom "I'm telling you" is a commonly used expression in everyday American English. Here are the facts:
The idiom *I'll tell you* is used to grab someone's attention or emphasize a point before providing information or sharing an opinion. It signals that the speaker has something important to say or wants to share insight.
The idiom "I'd say" is used to express an opinion or estimate based on one's judgment or perception, often without definitive or factual evidence. It signifies a personal assessment or guess about a situation or statement.
Idiom: I'd say
The idiom "I don't know about that" is used to express doubt or skepticism towards a statement or proposition. It implies that the speaker does not have enough information or disagrees with the statement in question.
Mysterious Whispers
The idiom "a little bird told me" is commonly used in English to convey the idea that the speaker has learned something without revealing the source of the information. It is often used when the speaker wants to share information without taking direct responsibility for it. This idiom can be traced back to ancient times, with similar phrases and concepts appearing in different cultures and languages around the world. In ancient Greece, the playwright Aeschylus used a similar expression in his play "Agamemnon" to suggest that the chorus had learned something from the gods, but were not able to reveal their sources.
The earliest known written record of the idiom in English dates back to the 16th century, appearing in John Heywood's collection of proverbs. However, it gained more widespread usage in the 19th century when it started appearing in various books, newspapers, and other publications. The meaning of the idiom is quite straightforward: it implies that the speaker has received information from an undisclosed source, often implying that the information is credible but the speaker does not want to reveal who provided it. This can be used in a range of contexts, from casual conversations to more formal situations.
While the exact origin and meaning of idioms are not always clear, "a little bird told me" can be readily understood by English speakers. It is a concise and effective way to indicate that the speaker has gained knowledge from an unnamed source, adding an air of mystery to the information being shared. This expression carries a sense of whimsy and playfulness, creating a memorable and relatable image of a little bird delivering secret messages. It invites the listener to imagine the source of the information as something small, innocent, and unassuming, adding an element of intrigue to the conversation.
Now, let's explore some related idioms and phrases that are connected to the idiom "a little bird told me." These phrases further emphasize the idea of receiving information from undisclosed sources, but each adds its own unique twist.
One related phrase is "I'll tell you." This phrase is often used to introduce a piece of information that the speaker wants to share, but again, without revealing the direct source of the information. It creates a sense of anticipation, as if the speaker is about to reveal something interesting or important.
Another related phrase is "word on the wire." This phrase implies that there is information circulating in a particular community or network, but the exact source or details may not be known. It suggests that the information has spread through word of mouth or informal channels, much like how a little bird might spread news.
"I can tell you" is another idiomatic phrase that relates to the idea of receiving information from undisclosed sources. This phrase is often used to emphasize the speaker's credibility or knowledge about a certain subject. It implies that the speaker has access to insider information or insights that they are willing to share.
The phrase "get wind of" is also related to the idiom "a little bird told me." It suggests that the speaker has become aware of something, usually a rumor or secret, through informal means. It implies that the speaker has heard something indirectly, similar to how one might hear news from a little bird.
The idiom "a little bird told me" is a commonly used expression in English that conveys the idea of receiving information from undisclosed sources. It adds an element of mystery and playfulness to conversations, inviting the listener to imagine the source of the information as a little bird delivering secret messages. This idiom has deep historical roots and is connected to similar phrases and concepts in different cultures. Additionally, there are related idioms and phrases that further emphasize the concept of receiving information from undisclosed sources. These idioms, such as "I'll tell you," "word on the wire," "I can tell you," and "get wind of," add their own unique twists to the idea of sharing information without revealing the source. Overall, these idioms demonstrate the timeless appeal of conveying complex ideas in a concise and memorable manner.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *a little bird told me* can be used in a sentence:
- She knew about the surprise party because a little bird told her.
- A little bird told me that he's planning to resign from his job.
- I'm not sure how he found out, but a little bird told him that his girlfriend was cheating on him.
More "Rumor" idioms
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