nghe phong thanh
Definition
- Idiom:
- To hear a rumor / to get wind of something: To receive information indirectly, vaguely, or through unofficial channels, often implying the information is unverified or based on hearsay.
Usage Examples
- Idiom:
- Tôi chỉ nghe phong thanh về vụ việc đó. (I only heard a rumor about that incident.)
- Anh ấy nghe phong thanh rằng công ty sắp có thay đổi lớn. (He got wind that the company is about to undergo a major change.)
Advanced Usage
- This idiom is often used to preface information that the speaker cannot confirm, emphasizing its unofficial and uncertain nature. It sets the expectation that what follows may not be entirely accurate.
Variants and Related Words
- Đồn đại (n/v): rumor; to rumor. This is a more direct word for "rumor," while "nghe phong thanh" describes the of hearing one.
- Những tin đồn đại lan truyền rất nhanh. (Rumors spread very quickly.)
Synonyms
- To hear through the grapevine: To learn news indirectly from other people.
- To catch a whisper of something: To hear a faint or unconfirmed piece of information.
Related Idioms
Tin vịt: A false or fabricated news story; a canard.
- Đó không phải sự thật, chỉ là tin vịt. (That's not true, it's just a canard.)
Tai này qua tai khác: (Through) word of mouth; passed from one person to another.
- Tin tức lan truyền tai này qua tai khác. (The news spread by word of mouth.)