hear through the grapevine
Learn via rumors
To hear through the grapevine is to learn something through informal channels—gossip, rumor, or word of mouth rather than official sources.
The grapevine is the network of casual communication through which unofficial information travels: I heard through the grapevine that they're getting divorced.
The phrase suggests the information may be unreliable or secondhand.
Speech without full voice
- hearsayUnverified secondhand information
- scuttlebuttInformal rumor or speculation
- speculationUnproven theorizing or risky investment
- word-of-mouthInformation shared through conversation
gossip · tittle-tattle · buzz · chatter · innuendo · conjecture · unconfirmed · secondhand
Concealed from authorities
- covertIntentionally concealed
- surreptitiousDone secretly, avoiding detection
- furtiveSecretive and sly
- discreetCareful to avoid notice
private · hidden · undercover · behind closed doors · hush-hush · under wraps · concealed · stealthy
Unofficial communication pathway
- unofficialNot formally recognized
- insiderOne with confidential access
- leakEscape through a breach
- tip-offAdvance secret warning
hint · word on the street · hushed · confidential · off-the-record · circulate · pass along · spread
whisper
Speech without full voice
- hearsayUnverified secondhand information
- scuttlebuttInformal rumor or speculation
- speculationUnproven theorizing or risky investment
word-of-mouth · gossip · tittle-tattle · buzz · chatter · innuendo · conjecture · unconfirmed · secondhand · talk
clandestine
Concealed from authorities
- covertIntentionally concealed
- surreptitiousDone secretly, avoiding detection
- furtiveSecretive and sly
discreet · private · hidden · undercover · behind closed doors · hush-hush · under wraps · concealed · stealthy · cloak-and-dagger
backchannel
Unofficial communication pathway
- unofficialNot formally recognized
- insiderOne with confidential access
- leakEscape through a breach
tip-off · hint · word on the street · hushed · confidential · off-the-record · circulate · pass along · spread · network