bush-telegraph

bush-telegraph

A bush-telegraph spreads the news through the village before the sun sets.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • Rapid informal communication: "bush-telegraph" refers to a system or network by which information, especially news or rumors, spreads quickly and informally among people, often in a community or group. It implies a fast, word-of-mouth method of communication, originally associated with remote or rural areas.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • News of the accident spread through the village by bush-telegraph within minutes. (Information traveled quickly through informal channels.)
    • The bush-telegraph in the office ensured everyone knew about the promotion before the official announcement. (Informal communication among colleagues.)
Advanced Usage

  • "via bush-telegraph": using informal, rapid communication channels.

    • The warning about the flood was passed via bush-telegraph, saving many lives. (The news spread quickly through word of mouth.)

  • "bush-telegraph effect": the phenomenon of information spreading rapidly and often inaccurately through informal networks.

    • The bush-telegraph effect caused exaggerated rumors about the celebrity's visit. (Information distorted as it spread quickly.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Bush (n): wild, uncultivated land; remote rural area.
  • Telegraph (n): a system for sending messages over long distances using wires and signals.
  • Bush telegraph (n, alternative spelling): the same concept, often written as two words.
Synonyms

  • Grapevine: an informal network for spreading news or rumors.

    • I heard it through the grapevine. (I learned it informally.)

  • Word of mouth: spoken communication, especially as a means of transmitting information.

    • The news spread by word of mouth. (Information passed through conversation.)
Phrasal Verbs
  • (No direct phrasal verbs; "bush-telegraph" is used as a noun only.)
Related Idioms

  • Hear it on the grapevine: to learn about something through informal communication.

    • I heard on the grapevine that she is leaving the company. (I learned it through rumors.)

  • Pass the word: to spread news or information to others.

    • Pass the word about the meeting. (Tell everyone informally.)