the bush telegraph

Word of mouth; the grapevine. Don't expect that to stay a secret in this office—the bush telegraph is swift around here.

See also: bush, telegraph

the bush telegraph

BRITISH, OLD-FASHIONED

The bush telegraph is the way in which information or news is passed from person to person in conversation. No, you didn't tell me, but I heard it on the bush telegraph. Jean-Michel had heard of our impending arrival in Conflans long before we got there. The bush telegraph on the waterways is extremely effective. Note: This expression refers to a primitive method of communication where people scattered over a wide area beat drums to send messages to one another.

See also: bush, telegraph

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012

bush telegraph

a rapid informal spreading of information or rumour; the network through which this takes place.

This expression originated in the late 19th century, referring to the network of informers who kept bushrangers informed about the movements of the police in the Australian bush or outback. Compare with hear something on the grapevine (at grapevine).

See also: bush, telegraph

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

ˌbush ˈtelegraph

the spreading of news quickly from one person to another: Everyone knew about it before it was officially announced: the bush telegraph had been at work again. Bush in this phrase refers to the areas of wild land in Australia. Bush telegraph originally meant the people who informed bushrangers (= criminals who lived in the bush) about the movements of the police.

See also: bush, telegraph

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

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References in periodicals archive

As the Mirror previously reported, Anne had to be called into the Bush Telegraph when producers spotted Nick playing with knives and fire - which turned out to be part of his 'wax scheme'.

Nick Knowles had secret blazing rows in I'm A Celeb jungle that never aired; The I'm A Celebrity campmate got into frequent shouting matches with the jungle crew, Anne Hegerty has revealed

Meanwhile, Glaswegian producer Marty Benson - the voice of the show's Bush Telegraph - is backing fellow Scots Justin and Colin to win.

THERE'S GOT TO BE A CATCH; Producer Marty reveals the latest jungle gossip

David said of his decision to throw her belongings away: "She's got a pounds 1 million pound a year football player, I don't think she'll give a stuff." He dumped Carly's possessions in the Bush Telegraph, commenting in footage to be shown tonight: "One gone, nine to go, see you later."

Celebrity clear-out

But, by the time they arrived at the Bush Telegraph to collect their prize - the cheesecake had been eaten by a rat.

Burrows sends celebs scurrying

He was discovered close to an historic bush telegraph station, a few miles from the town where he was staying.

Tourist rescued from outback

So we are having to rely on the bush telegraph to let people know it is for sale."

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY: Yellow ribbon is fine, but don't nail this old oak tree

The 10 celebrities taking part in the ITV show also made a cake for Alex Best's birthday, after they received the ingredients in the Bush Telegraph as a surprise.

Kerry's in with a chance

Yesterday, an emotional Danniella said her tearful goodbyes to the group before heading across the bridge back to civilisation, shouting back to them: ``Good luck.'' Danniella earlier opened her heart in the Bush Telegraph, saying she needed to attend one of the group counselling sessions which have been a central part of her life since she stopped taking drugs.

Eviction reprieve after Danniella walks out

Hot on the heels of 'war driving' (see Dangerous driving , May 2001) comes 'war chalking', the digital equivalent of the bush telegraph for hackers looking for unprotected wireless Internet access.

Chalk another one up to the hackers

Authorities closed the airport due to fears that the animals may collide with aircraft according to the ABC Rural Bush Telegraph.

Roger & Out

Talking in the Bush Telegraph, Rita Simons said "We had our first heated debate, some people really want to win and I think Harry just wants people to admit they want to win but not everybody does."

Harry Redknapp criticises 'unfair' Nick Knowles in I'm A Celebrity row; There haven't been many rows on I'm a Celebrity this year - but this was probably the worst yet

In the Bush Telegraph, Rita joked: "God we're disgusting aren't we?

I'm A Celebrity's Harry Redknapp disgusted by female campmates' 'gross' activity; The 71-year-old football manager was grossed out by the girls popping each other's spots