Heard It Through the Grapevine
Meaning
“Heard it through the grapevine” means to learn a piece of information through informal conversations, rumors, or other people rather than directly from the person or official source involved.
The phrase creates the playful image of news traveling from person to person like something being passed along a network of grapevines. It is often used when the speaker knows something but is not revealing exactly who told them.
Usage
The expression is informal and commonly used when talking about gossip, rumors, workplace news, or personal information that has spread through a group. It can be used seriously when sharing information that may need confirmation, but it is often playful or teasing.
It is usually phrased as “I heard it through the grapevine” or “I heard through the grapevine that…” The phrase can subtly signal that the information may not be completely reliable.
Example Sentences
- I heard through the grapevine that Sarah is getting married next month.
- We heard it through the grapevine that the company is planning some big changes.
- I heard through the grapevine that you got a new job—congratulations!
- Someone told me through the grapevine that they’re opening a new restaurant downtown.
- I heard it through the grapevine, but I don’t know if the rumor is actually true.