catch wind of

Get tipped off

To catch wind of something is to learn of it, typically through rumor or indirect channels rather than official announcement: I caught wind of the merger before it went public.

The phrase evokes an animal detecting a scent carried on the breeze—information reaching you from a distance, often before you were meant to have it.

discovery

overhear

Accidentally catch speech

eavesdropListen to private conversations
discoverFind something unknown
uncoverReveal what's hidden

detect · learn · find out · ascertain · discern · perceive · notice · realize · pick up on · stumble upon

rumor

hearsay

Unverified secondhand information

scuttlebuttInformal rumor or speculation
grapevineInformal gossip network
buzzContinuous low drone

whisper · word-of-mouth · gossip · speculation · innuendo · rumblings · tittle-tattle · chatter · leak · hint

secret

tip-off

Advance secret warning

confidentialMeant to stay secret
hush-hushHighly confidential matter
insiderOne with confidential access

clandestine · covert · undisclosed · private · classified · concealed · hidden · under wraps · behind closed doors · off the record

news

scoop

First-reported story

breakingComing apart suddenly
exclusiveLimited to one group
bulletinBrief public announcement

update · announcement · report · intelligence · information · word · tidings · development · heads-up · advance notice

catch wind of

overhear

hearsay

tip-off

scoop

catch wind of

Opposites

Categories

Family