heard it through the grapevine
Meaning
I learned the information via rumors or informal sources, not directly from the people involved.
Origin
From “the grapevine” meaning an informal communication network. Popularized by the 1968 hit song “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” though the phrase existed earlier (19th c.) and may relate to telegraph lines likened to vines.
Notes
Means you heard it via rumors/informal channels; often implies the info may be unconfirmed. Common in casual speech.
Examples
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I heard through the grapevine that the company is planning layoffs next month.
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She heard it through the grapevine that Mark and Lisa got engaged over the weekend.
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We heard it through the grapevine that the restaurant is closing, so we went one last time.
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He heard it through the grapevine that his old boss is looking for someone with his skills.
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I heard through the grapevine that you’re moving to Osaka—when were you going to tell me?
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as “I/he/she heard it through the grapevine” or “I heard through the grapevine that + clause.” The phrase is fairly fixed; “the grapevine” typically takes “through.”
Synonyms
- hear on the grapevine
- hear through the rumor mill
- hear it secondhand
- hear it on the street
Antonyms
- hear it straight from the source
- hear it firsthand
- get official word