On/through the grapevine

phrase

To hear news from someone who heard the news from someone else; indirect source.

I heard on the grapevine that they are planning to restructure the department.

Informal

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1

Pro Tip 1/3

This phrase is casual and mostly used in social conversations, not in formal settings.

I heard on the grapevine that Sandra got engaged.

Pro Tip 2/3

Information received through the grapevine may not be reliable as it's passed from person to person.

Is it true what I heard on the grapevine about the company merger?

Pro Tip 3/3

The phrase originates from the way grapevines spread, symbolizing how gossip travels.

She got all the updates on the grapevine, just like tendrils reaching out everywhere.

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