hear through the grapevine

The phrase "hear through the grapevine" means to hear or learn information, usually gossip or rumors, indirectly or unofficially through informal communication channels. It suggests that the information is passed from person to person, similar to how grapevine tendrils intertwine and spread. It implies that the information might not be entirely reliable or accurate, often resulting in a game of telephone where details can get distorted or exaggerated.