hear through the grapevine: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘hear through the grapevine’ mean?
The idiom "hear through the grapevine" means to learn information indirectly or unofficially, usually through rumors or gossip.
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 "keep one's ears open" means to be attentive and listen carefully for information or opportunities.
The idiom "keep one's ears open" is a common phrase used in the English language. It is used to encourage someone to listen attentively and be receptive to information or advice. The idiom suggests that one should be aware of their surroundings and be open to new ideas or opportunities.
The idiom "jungle telegraph" refers to the transmission of information or news through informal or unofficial channels, typically in a rapid and widespread manner. It emphasizes the idea of communication in a network-like fashion, reminiscent of the way messages travel in a dense, interconnected jungle.
The idiom "hear voices" means to have a hallucination or experience an auditory hallucination, where a person hears sounds or voices that are not actually present. This can be a symptom of mental illness, such as schizophrenia.
The idiom "hear things" means to become aware of rumors or gossip that may or may not be true.
Hear things is a commonly used idiom in everyday American English. It is often used to express the idea of hearing information or rumors that may be questionable or unverified. The speaker has heard something, but they don't necessarily believe it to be true or reliable.
The idiom "hear the grass grow" means to have an exceptional ability to perceive or sense even the faintest or most subtle things, often used to describe someone with a keen sense of observation or intuition.
The idiom "hear out" means to listen to someone or something until the end, especially when one might have doubts or reservations. It emphasizes the importance of giving full attention and consideration to someone's ideas, opinions, or explanations.
The idiom "go over someone's head" means to bypass or ignore a person in authority and go directly to someone at a higher level. It is often done to obtain a desired outcome or get information without the permission or involvement of the immediate authority figure.
When something "goes in one ear and out the other," it means that a person quickly forgets or does not pay attention to what they hear.
The idiom "go in one ear and out the other" is a commonly used expression in English. It describes the act of hearing but not retaining or remembering information. It suggests that the information passes through a person's mind without making a lasting impact.
The idiom "give someone to understand" means to make someone believe or think that something is true, usually by implying or suggesting it indirectly.
One idiom that has stood the test of time is "give someone to understand." This phrase has been used in English-speaking countries since the early 16th century. It carries the meaning of causing someone to believe or infer something without explicitly stating it.
Whispers of Truth
The idiom "hear things" is closely related to "hear through the grapevine." Both idioms refer to the act of receiving information indirectly or through informal channels. While "hear through the grapevine" specifically connotes a network of interconnected individuals or sources, "hear things" is a more general expression for hearing rumors or gossip without specifying the source. Both idioms emphasize the unreliable nature of secondhand information and highlight the need for critical evaluation.
Similarly, the idiom "get wind of" shares similarities with "hear through the grapevine." "Get wind of" also refers to learning information indirectly, often through rumors or unofficial sources. The phrase suggests catching a whiff or getting a hint of something, implying that the information may not be fully verified or accurate. Both idioms convey the idea of hearing information through informal channels and emphasize the need for caution when interpreting it.
Another related idiom is "word on the wire." This expression shares similarities with "hear through the grapevine" in terms of denoting indirect or informal channels of communication. While "hear through the grapevine" relates to a network of interconnected individuals, "word on the wire" draws upon the imagery of a telephone or telegraph wire. Both idioms convey the idea that information may be transmitted through unconventional means and may not always be entirely reliable.
An additional idiom that aligns with the concept of indirect information is "hear the grass grow." This expression, like "hear through the grapevine," suggests the act of hearing something indirectly or through subtle cues. While "hear through the grapevine" emphasizes the network aspect, "hear the grass grow" emphasizes listening attentively and picking up on small details. Both idioms underscore the idea that paying attention to indirect or subtle signals can help uncover hidden information.
Lastly, the idiom "get wind" is closely related to both "hear through the grapevine" and "get wind of." "Get wind" also conveys the act of obtaining information indirectly or through unofficial channels. It suggests catching whispers or hints of something, further emphasizing the idea of incomplete or unverified information. Like the other idioms, "get wind" highlights the need for caution and critical evaluation when receiving information through informal means.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *hear through the grapevine* can be used in a sentence:
1. I heard through the grapevine that Sarah got a promotion at work.
2. They heard through the grapevine that their favorite band is going to have a concert in town.
3. Have you heard through the grapevine that John and Emily are getting married?
More "Communication" idioms
