bush telegraph

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
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

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.

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

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
See also:
  • the bush telegraph
  • beggar's bush
  • patrol
  • bush patrol
  • since the beginning of time
  • wire for
  • wire for (something)
  • wire ahead
  • jungle telegraph
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
Arsim Sinani comments that the present politics in Macedonia resembles a bush telegraph. This kind of communication was first introduced between PM Gruevski and BDI leader Ahmeti.
Bush telegraph
D'Acampo, 33, said in the show's video diary room the Bush Telegraph: "I saw one of these rats running around.
Celebrity pair in rat eating row
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
Among the best horses campaigned by Jaffee were Horses of the Year Empress Club and Illustrador, as well as Bush Telegraph and that horse's son, London News, winner of the Queen Elizabeth II Cup in Hong Kong and third to Bosra Sham in the Prince of Wales's Stakes in 1997.
Horse Racing: Death of leading owner-breeder; BLOODSTOCK WORLD
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