hear it through the grapevine

You are wondering about the meaning of the phrase hear it through the grapevine, maybe you heard it in a TV show, movie or theater play. Although this idiom is not used very often, it enriches your capacity of expression and strengthens communication. In which case is the expression hear it through the grapevine used and what is its meaning?

Meaning of "hear it through the grapevine"

Meaning

The phrase “hear it through the grapevine” is used to describe something that you have heard from a third-party source, often an unreliable one. This phrase does not only refer to the literal phrase ‘grapevine’ and usually implies that the information is not to be trusted. This idiom is used to express skepticism about the truth of the information. The use of this phrase is often tongue-in-cheek and is used in a humorous way.

Etymology

The etymology of the phrase ‘hear it through the grapevine’ dates back to the mid 1800s. The phrase was originally used to describe the communication process that was often used in the American Civil War. It referred to the use of messengers, such as scouts, to pass information between the two sides. This was done by using a phrase, “hear it through the grapevine”, to indicate that the message had come from a third-party who could not be trusted.

Usage

The phrase is still used today as a humorous way to indicate that the information being discussed is not reliable. It is used in a variety of contexts, and does not always relate to the literal meaning of grapevines. It can also be used as a form of warning, as it implies that the information may be false. The phrase can be used to express skepticism about news, gossip, or someone’s opinion. It is often used to suggest that the information is unreliable and should not be trusted.

Example Sentences

• I heard it through the grapevine that she was moving away.
• I wouldn’t believe it unless I heard it through the grapevine.
• I heard it through the grapevine that he got a promotion.
• Don’t believe everything you hear - it could just be something you heard through the grapevine.

Idioms with similar meanings in different languages

"Barking up the wrong tree" is an English idiom that means to pursue a mistaken or misguided course of action. In German, the similar idiom is "Auf dem Holzweg sein," which translates to "To be on the wrong track." This idiom emphasizes the idea that when you are pursuing the wrong course of action, you are not going to achieve your desired outcome.