grapevine
Translation
grapevine, rumor mill
Examples
Grapes grow on a grapevine.
Grapes grow on a grapevine.
I heard on the grapevine that she's leaving.
I heard on the grapevine that she's leaving.
Grammar Patterns
((a grapevine)) as a noun for the plant We planted a grapevine in the garden.
((on/through the grapevine)) as an idiom for hearing rumors I heard on the grapevine that you got the job.
Similar Words
Synonyms: (plant) vine; (rumor) rumor mill, gossip
Etymology
From 'grape' + 'vine'. Literally, the vine that grapes grow on. The figurative sense comes from how telegraph wires resembled grapevines.
Memory Tips
Imagine rumors spreading along a tangled vine, reaching everyone. The phrase 'heard it on the grapevine' is very common.