bury the lead: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘bury the lead’ mean?
The idiom "bury the lead" means to hide or downplay the most important or interesting part of a story or information, usually by placing it towards the end or overshadowing it with less important details.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "lead up to" means to precede or prepare for something, typically an event or action. It implies a progression or sequence of events that culminate in the main event or action.
The idiom "keep one's head down" means to avoid drawing attention or staying out of trouble in order to stay safe or unnoticed in a dangerous or difficult situation.
The idiom "keep a low profile" means to avoid attracting attention or publicity, and to remain inconspicuous or discreet in one's actions or behavior.
The idiom "in the lead" means to be in a leading or winning position, often in a competition or race.
The idiom "hide one's light under a bushel" means to conceal or downplay one's talents, abilities, or achievements.
The idiom "hide in plain sight" means to conceal oneself or something in a way that is not obvious or easily noticed, even though it is in a highly visible or noticeable place.
The idiom "go to ground" means to hide or disappear, especially when being pursued or facing a difficult situation. It can also imply seeking shelter or protection, similar to animals going to their burrows underground.
The idiom "gloss over" means to ignore, downplay or conceal a problem, mistake, or negative aspect of something, often with a superficial treatment or explanation.
The idiom "get to the bottom of" means to investigate or find out the underlying or true cause of something, often by thorough examination or questioning.
Hidden Journalism
The phrase "bury the lead" has its roots in journalism, where it refers to the practice of hiding or downplaying the most important information in a news article. Rather than placing the attention-grabbing details at the beginning or in the headline, they are buried further down the text. This can result in the crucial aspect of the story being hidden or overshadowed, which explains the use of the term "bury." In the past, newspapers used lead type to create headlines, and this is why the term includes the word "lead."
The idiom gained prominence in the 20th century, specifically in the field of news reporting. Journalists and editors use it to criticize the practice of concealing or downplaying the most significant aspect of a story. This is considered a poor journalistic technique because it can mislead or confuse readers, failing to convey the true importance of a particular event or development. In journalistic writing, effectively and clearly communicating the main point of a story is essential.
Furthermore, "bury the lead" is now used in a broader sense beyond journalism. It can be applied to any situation where the most crucial information or key point is not properly emphasized or intentionally concealed. This can happen in different contexts, such as business, politics, or personal conversations. In such cases, the idiom suggests that the speaker is failing to highlight or prioritize the most relevant information, missing an opportunity to capture the listener or reader's attention with essential facts or details.
It's worth mentioning that "bury the lead" is related to the idiom "bury the lede," which uses an older spelling of "lead" as "lede." Both versions of the idiom have the same meaning and are used interchangeably, although "bury the lead" is more commonly used.
In various domains, the idiom "bury the lead" reveals the consequences of failing to highlight the most important information. Whether in a news article or a conversation, overlooking the crucial point can lead to confusion and disinterest. Therefore, effective communication that ensures key details are not obscured is highly valued.
Another related idiom, "cover up," is often used in conjunction with "bury the lead." While "bury the lead" implies that the important information is hidden or minimized, "cover up" suggests a deliberate attempt to hide or conceal the truth. It can be applied to situations where individuals or organizations intentionally suppress certain details or facts to protect their reputation or avoid negative consequences.
Breaking a story is another idiom related to "bury the lead." When journalists break a story, they are the first to report it to the public. This idiom highlights the importance of promptly sharing the most significant information, ensuring that it reaches the audience before competitors. In contrast, "burying the lead" delays sharing the crucial information, preventing journalists from being the first to break the story.
Lastly, the idiom "buried treasure" can also be connected to "bury the lead." When someone finds buried treasure, they have discovered something highly valuable that was hidden or concealed. Similarly, in the context of "bury the lead," the valuable information is buried within a story or not emphasized, making it harder for readers or listeners to find and appreciate.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "bury the lead" can be used in a sentence:
- Although the reporter had crucial information about the scandal, she buried the lead in her article by focusing on irrelevant details.
- The movie trailer was misleading as it buried the lead by showcasing a minor subplot instead of the main storyline.
- In his presentation, the speaker buried the lead by spending too much time discussing background information instead of getting to the main point.
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