A little bird told me

Meaning

The idiom "a little bird told me" is a common expression used to convey that someone has shared confidential information with you. This phrase suggests that the person who shared this information is trustworthy, as birds are known for being good at carrying messages and gossip.

Usage

• "I heard from a little bird that he's planning on leaving the company soon." - In this context, the phrase suggests that someone confided in you about their intention to leave the company, and you're sharing this information with someone else.
• "A little bird told me that they're having trouble in their relationship." - Here, the phrase is used to convey that someone shared confidential information with you about a problem in their relationship, and you're sharing it with someone else.
• "I just heard from a little bird that they're getting married soon!" - In this context, the phrase suggests that someone confided in you about their plans to get married, and you're sharing this information with someone else.
• "A little bird told me that they won't be able to make it to the meeting tomorrow." - Here, the phrase is used to convey that someone shared confidential information about not being able to attend a meeting with you, and you're sharing it with someone else.
• "I just got from a little bird that they're taking a new job next month." - In this context, the phrase suggests that someone confided in you about their plans to take a new job, and you're sharing this information with someone else.

Roots and History

The origins of this idiom are uncertain, but it is believed to have been used since at least the 18th century. It may have originated from a fable in which birds were known for carrying messages and gossip between people. The phrase became popular as a way to convey that someone had shared confidential information with you and that it was trustworthy.

Synonyms in English

• Word of mouth
• Gossip
• Rumor
• Hearsay
• Whisper

Synonyms in other languages

| Language | Idiomatic expression | Translation | Description | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | French | Chacun sa part | Each their own share | This phrase conveys the idea that everyone has their own secrets and that it's important to respect their privacy. | | Spanish | La rata de dos ratas | Two rats in one trap | This phrase suggests that someone is sharing confidential information with multiple people, and they may be at risk of being caught. | | German | Der Wind fackelt uns auf | The wind stirs us up | This phrase is used to convey the idea that gossip can be like a wildfire, spreading quickly and causing chaos. | | Italian | La chiave del cielo | The key of heaven | This phrase suggests that someone has access to confidential information that is highly valued and should be treated with respect. | | Japanese | 燕子が話した | Sparrow's tale | This phrase conveys the idea that small creatures can have important messages, and we should pay attention to what they have to say. |

Similar Idioms

• a tall order

• a bolt from the blue

• a miss is as good as a mile