The idiom "through the grapevine" means to hear something from someone else, usually through informal or unofficial channels. It refers to the way information spreads quickly and informally, like grapevines that grow and spread quickly.
For example, if someone says "I heard through the grapevine that John got a promotion," it means they heard this information from someone else, rather than directly from John or his employer. It implies that the information may not be completely reliable or accurate, since it has been passed through multiple people.
You can use this idiom in a variety of situations, such as when you want to talk about rumors or gossip that you've heard, or when you want to emphasize that you didn't hear something directly from the source. However, it's important to be careful when using this idiom, as it can sometimes imply that the information is not trustworthy or official.
• She found out through the grapevine that her ex-boyfriend had moved on and started dating someone new.
• I heard through the grapevine that the supermarket is having a sale on fruits and vegetables.
• Rumors about the CEO's resignation had been circulating through the grapevine for weeks before the official announcement was made.
• Through the grapevine, I learned that the restaurant around the corner has the best sushi in town.
• The news about the company's layoffs spread quickly through the grapevine, causing anxiety among the employees.
• The journalist uncovered a major scandal by following leads and information she had heard through the grapevine.