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Interesting phrases part 81

"I heard it through the grapevine" is soft viney wood the best sound conductor? If it is what are all the wires beside the road? Why not just grow grapes?
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GeminiDuality · 31-35, M
I always wondered if it started as a religious term, since Jesus talks about us as smaller branches on a larger grapevine.

Possibly an old saying about gossip with the church? I mean who knows but I could imagine it
ArishMell · 70-79, M
:)

That could produce a lot of wine!

I think the metaphor refers to the branching form of the plant, not the acoustic properties of wood.

A tells B and C, B tells D and E, C tells F, G and H...
Origin of the Term
Historical Background
The phrase "I heard it through the grapevine" has its roots in the 19th century. It is derived from the term "grapevine telegraph," which referred to the informal and often unreliable way information was shared, similar to gossip. This term became popular during the American Civil War when it described how rumors were spread among soldiers and civilians.
Connection to Telegraphy
The "grapevine" imagery comes from the telegraph system invented by Samuel Morse. The telegraph wires were often loosely strung and resembled grapevines. This visual led to the association of the term with informal communication methods.

 
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