the 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:
  • 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
figure By TOM OSANJO A worrying piece of news I received over the weekend even as we went into the crunch tie against Petrol Atletico of Angola was that Zamalek of Egypt and Hussein Dey of Algeria were working out some sort of compromise that would see one of them allow the other to qualify for the next round of the Caf Confederation Cup match at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.As usual with all the news swirling on the bush telegraph it was hard to confirm the truth or lack of in this sensational news.
Could congested fixtures for Gor be an act of sabotage?
On his return to camp last week, John said in the Bush Telegraph: "I am back, I am glad to be back, I did not want to go, I would never have used this as an excuse or an option to leave because I would never give up on something like this."
Why I'm A Celebrity bosses made a big change to Celebrity Cyclone trial; Some viewers were left confused by the trial change
"There was one time I was called to the Bush Telegraph and they said, 'we're a little worried about Nick, he's been sticking knives in the fire'.
Anne lifts the lid on Nick Knowles 'secret rows' with I'm A Celeb bosses; I'm A Celebrity's Nick Knowles got into frequent shouting matches with the jungle crew, Anne Hegerty has revealed
And while speaking with the Bush Telegraph (via (https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/im-celebrity-john-barrowman-reveals-13687108) Mirror UK ), the "Doctor Who" star talked about the glasses that he stole and said that it shouldn't reach Prince Charles because he might not be invited back to his home.
John Barrowman Reveals He Stole Two Things From Prince Charles
The true gent later told the Bush Telegraph: "There's only one person I want to see in a bikini having a shower and that's my wife." Emperor Noel Edmonds and Harry were knocked off their throne and had to hold critters in their mouths, including a yabby, for 60 seconds in a Bushtucker Trial.
Match of the spray
"Any time that you see people sat around there, usually someone's been called into the Bush Telegraph and comes out with a bit of paper and says, 'We all need to discuss this topic.'" ."
Duncan slams fake jungle claim
The bush telegraph from Willie Mullins' Closutton yard is that the eight-yearold, announced as finished for the season in December but chosen by Ruby Walsh in preference to Min, is firing again.
HENDERSON'S TIOR DE FORCE
The 30-year-old has had fans in stitches with a string of clangers in camp, including his surprise that chats in the Bush Telegraph were filmed.
Amir: I was a model pupil
She adds: "Toff and I nearly died laughing when Amir ran over about four days into the jungle saying, 'Guys, guys, you know in the Bush Telegraph they're recording what we're saying?'"
My Celebrity alien kidnap; Talk TV Comedian Shappi tells of her 'agony' in the jungle
Vicky Pattison in the Bush Telegraph on I'm A Celebrity
I'm A Celebrity: Chronicle readers back Vicky Pattison to be Queen of the Jungle; There's a clear majority in our poll as to whether our readers want ex Geordie SHore star Vicky to win I'm A Celebrity tonight
In the Bush Telegraph, George started to cry and was really upset.
Lady C backs Jorgie to be crowned queen
The recent news that a graphene light bulb will shortly go on sale, with a claimed 10 per cent reduction in energy use, has got physicists chattering on the bush telegraph. Essentially a modified LED, is this claim based on a comparison with a standard LED?
How much graphene to change a light bulb?
It's old fashioned sexism," Charlie later told the Bush Telegraph.
David Haye upsets campmate Charlie Brooks with 'sexist' remarks
He added: "I get some bizarre requests in the Bush Telegraph but Justin asks me for a chicken sandwich every day.
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